My story begins in Buffalo, New York... I was born and raised in South Buffalo. That has a special distinction, of course. The skyline and waterfront. The lake and grain towers. The Irish heritage and ringing church bells. The blue collar grit of the city and its residents. Each of these is me.
Although Buffalo will always be "home" to me, for the last half of my life I've lived far from there, in the Triangle of North Carolina. In that time, I built a career and married a charming Southern boy with whom I have a beautiful daughter. We've settled down in the little town of Clayton. These days I'm told I've picked up a bit of a Southern accent and even say "y'all". Now magnolia trees and grazing horses, sweet tea and bbq, wide porches and blessed hearts are also me.
And so I seem to have become a unique blend of very different lives, experiences, and perspectives. An eclectic mix that is reflected in my art.
I've loved art for as long as I can remember. My parents saw a budding talent early on. My elementary and middle school didn't have an Art teacher, so I attended private lessons on Saturdays starting when I was 12. By high school, I was certain I wanted a career in art. I chose to attend Nazareth College in Rochester as a Visual Arts major with a concentration in Illustration. Although I excelled there, receiving numerous awards for my art and making sales, I had a growing concern over earning a steady income solely as an artist. When considering other options, teaching art seemed a perfect fit. I would be able to share my passion for art and be surrounded by it each day, while making a reliable salary. So, after 2 years at Naz, I made the decision to transfer to the State University College at Buffalo, well known for its Art Education program. From there, I graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education and the Dean's Award for Excellence in Art Education. After graduation I made the big move to Raleigh, North Carolina in search of new ventures and a promising future.
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Certified in teaching Art to grades k-12, I have worked as an Art Educator in NC for over 18 years. I've spent much of this time teaching in Wake County Public Schools to grades k-5, but also in Johnston County Public Schools at the High School level. I've worked with the Durham Arts Council, Artspace, the NCMA and various community workshops and camps as well.
In 2014, I turned my focus back toward my own artistic endeavors. I opened and operated my own gallery and studio in downtown Clayton, NC. Since, I have exhibited throughout the state, earning numerous awards for my paintings. In 2016, I became a resident artist of 311 Gallery in the Warehouse District of Raleigh, NC. I currently have my own exhibition space at the gallery and teach art full time for Wake County Schools. Passionate about promoting the arts in the community, I have also also served as a board member for Clayton Visual Arts. In 2017, I was appointed to the Town of Clayton’s Public Art Advisory Board, on which I continue to serve. |