About Me. . . .

How did I get here?

I graduated from UW-River Falls in 1995 with an art and philosophy degree never really intending to use it. Little did I know that 4 years later I would lay my claim as a professional glass artist! But I did…and my life is better for it.

As an artist, I have sold my work at juried art fairs and galleries and have taught classes in my studio. I have worked with children – teaching at art camp, teaching mini-classes, volunteering for Crayola DreamMakers, assisting with a community mural, planning and implementing visual arts programming for my local library. I have continued my own education by taking classes outside of the medium of glass – bookmaking, papermaking, pastels, pottery, watercolors, collage and puppetmaking. I have been an active member of various arts organizations – serving on boards and establishing new events.

You know that saying – “everything happens for a reason”? I believe it. Having worked at no fewer than nine libraries, having worked as a professional artist, and having worked with children has culminated in three new directions:

• Creating “art for art’s sake”, leaping from stained and kiln-formed glass to the realm of book arts

• 
  Developing and teaching Artsy Smartsy Fridays: an arts-based pre-literacy program for children and their caregivers
• 
  Developing and teaching Altered Books @ OPL: a creative community-centered program for teens and adults

Art and Books: I feel like I’m exactly where I am supposed to be.