Artist Statement

“Anyone Can Draw” -- this is what I heard. The TV station said it, the art brochures repeated it, and so it must be true! However, were they talking to me??? A 30 year old mother of four children with absolutely no art background. Yes, it is true! Anyone can learn to draw (or paint)-- if you have the desire and are willing to work at it!

My journey for the past 20 years has been one of learning to express myself in new ways, studying the work of others and finding my own voice in artistic media. I have had the opportunity to study with a variety of local and nationally known artists. Some of the classes were intensive sessions to help me develop my own personal style, while others were in a group setting that provided insight to other artists and their approach to ‘seeing’ in the world of art. Two artists -- Sterling Edwards and Chuck McLachlan -- have had a major impact on my artistic growth. These two have shared their incredible knowledge and given me the courage to continue my journey.

As a former teacher, it was only natural to want to share my passion with others.  Beginning with small group lessons in my studio several years ago, I have continued to expand my instructional offerings to children and adults through special programs at several local retirement communities, Pullen Art Center,  Jerry’s Artarama in Raleigh, and ArtExposure near Topsail Beach. How rewarding it is to watch people develop the ability to ‘see’ and draw the world around them.

Professional Experience

• 2009 -  present Watercolor Instructor, ArtExposure, Topsail Beach, NC 
• 2009 – present Watercolor Workshop Instructor, Jerry’s Artarama, Raleigh, NC
• 2008 – present  Group Art Instructor, Glenaire Retirement Community, Cary, NC
• 2008 – present  Group Art Instructor, The Cypress of Raleigh, Raleigh, NC
• 2004 – present  Group Art Instructor, Pullen Art Center, Raleigh, NC
• 1993 – present  Private Art Instructor, home studio, Raleigh, NC
• 2004 – 2005     Teacher Trainer and Art Teacher, WCPSS-Young Rembrandts Art Program, Raleigh, NC
• 2004 – 2005     Duke University Children’s Hospital-Arts Program, Durham, NC
• 1999 – 1997     Elementary School Art Teacher, Raleigh, NC
• 1976 – 1980     Elementary School Teacher, Richardson, TX & Memphis,TN

Education

• B.S. (cum laude), Memphis State University, 1976
• Studied under nationally known artists: Chuck McLachlan, Sterling Edwards, Don Andrews, Judi Betts, Judy Crane, Jean Dobie, Marlene Loznicka, Margaret Martin, Joe Miller, Leni Newell, Ron Ranson, Ann Salisbury, Charles Sharpe, Luanna Winner, Cheng Khee-Chee, Tom Francesconi, Tony Couch, Frank Francese

Exhibitions

• National Arts Program Exhibition - December - Mid January, 2009
• Group Exhbition - ArtExposure, Topsail Beach, NC, September & November, 2009
• Duo Exhibition – Local Color Gallery, Raleigh, NC, May 2009
• National Arts Program Exhibition – Raleigh, NC, December – mid January, 2009
• Duo Show – NC Crafts Gallery, Carrboro, NC, October 2008
• Duo Show – Trail Lawyers Building, Raleigh, NC, July – Sept. 2008
• Duo Show – Local Color Gallery, May 2008
• Duo Show – Holly Springs Cultural Arts Center, December 2007
• Duo Show – Local Color Gallery, February, 2007
• Duo Show – Pullen Arts Center, March 2006
• Group Exhibition - NC Maritime Museum – November &  December 2006, 2007
• Group Exhibition - Sertoma Arts Center, October 2004

Professional Organizations/Memberships

• Watercolor Society of North Carolina, Executive Board of Directors
• ArtExposure Artist Association – Topsail Beach, NC
• ARTS North Carolina