I grew up in Louisville and pursued my Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Kansas City Art Institute, and a Master of Fine Arts from Indiana University, both in painting and printmaking. I’ve exhibited my artwork in Kentucky (and elsewhere) since 1982, including for 20 years at Zephyr Gallery in Louisville and more recently at Kleinhelter Gallery in New Albany, IN.
As a college instructor and visiting artist, I’ve taught students of all ages, from graduate students all the way to preschoolers. I started teaching at Highland Pres. in 2005, and our school was a natural fit for me with its child-centered and Reggio-inspired approaches to early childhood education and the arts.
Young children love to explore the world through open-ended art experiences. As a teacher, I facilitate their play with an emphasis on the processes and materials. We get into clay, paint, drawing materials, loose parts, wood, shadow and light, natural materials, glue, and tape, either inside the art studio or out in the art garden and play areas. The children use tools, mix colors, work with textured and sensory materials, representing their ideas through all available media. They develop fine and gross motor abilities, a knowledge of color, and observational skills while working on individual pieces. Sharing and working together on group projects helps them strengthen their social abilities. I love how the children vary in their approaches to the materials, and discussing their explorations with them deepens our learning experience.
My time outside of school is largely spent in my art studio, making and exhibiting my own artwork. I enjoy painting and taking photographs of the natural world— trees, plants, vines, and water. I also love gardening, cooking, hiking, listening to music, being with my husband, family, and friends, and travelling.