Bio

Smitten by the world of art from an early age, I have been involved in supporting the arts for more than 50 years, including 25 years as an Arts Educator and practicing artist. I have learned to celebrate and cultivate the creative process in my students and myself as an essential part of the human experience, one that is shared across the globe and the timeline of our existence.

In those years, my artwork has covered an array of media, both two and three-dimensional.  I currently work almost exclusively with ceramic sculpture. There is something very compelling about the process of creating while using the primal substances of the earth; shaping, reorganizing and surrendering to the elemental structures that make up our natural world.

It is no wonder then that inspiration comes to me through a continuous investment in my relationship with nature. My ongoing routine includes solitude time in the wilderness of both urban and rural spaces, on the lookout for what special gift I will be shown as an insight into the mystery and wonder of our living world.   

In my studio, these experiences continue to inspire and inform my work. Clay is a seductive medium: it allows, suggests, demands and has the final say as to the outcome. It is not a medium that caters to overconfidence. I approach each piece with a humility born of experience over time. 

I am grateful that the opportunities to explore the creative aspects of my being have been a part of my life. I continue to look for more opportunities to teach and share this process, as I believe that through recognition and participation with our creative spirit, we can collectively realize harmony and balance with the rest of the living world.

Bio

Education:

-WWU, B.S. Technology Education, WWU

-M.A. Art Education, Western Washington University, B.A. in Art E

Experience:

-25 years classroom art teacher at high school and middle school levels.

-Hockinson School District, Brush Prairie, Wa.  

-40 years practicing artist in Vancouver Washington.

Professional Development:

-SW Regional Rep. for Washington Arts Education Association 2011-2017.

-Committee member for creation and implementation of Washington State Standards and Classroom Based Assessments and Grade Level Expectations for the Arts.

-2011-2014. Board member Clark County Arts Commission/Vancouver Art Culture and Heritage Commission: 2023-Present.

-Vice President/board member Pacific Northwest Sculptors Assocation 2023-Present.

-Board member ARTSTRA 2025-present.

Professional Accomplishments:

-Pacific Northwest Sculptors member 2000-2023. 

-Vice-president elect PNWS 2023-.

-Vancouver Public Arts Committee member 2021-2022.

-Oregon Society of the Arts workshop leader2021-2022.

-Artist-in-Residence at WayiWayi Studios, Zambia, Africa. 2016.  

-Group showing at the Aurora Art Gallery, Vancouver Wa. 2015.

-WAEA Art Educator of the Year, 2013.

-WAEA Secondary Arts Educator of the year, 2014. 

Exhibitions:

-Selected for Clark County Open Studios 2018-2019-2021.

-Group show-Oregon Society of Artists Portland Or. 2021-2023.

-Group show-Rucus Gallery, Bellingham, Wa. 2020.

-Group show-3 Square Art, Ft. Collins, Colo. 2020.

-Dual artist’s show-The Cave Gallery, Vancouver Wa.

-2019-2022. Vancouver Public Library, public display, 2018.   

-Maryhill Museum art educators exhibit, 2016. 

-Aurora Gallery, Vancouver Wa. 2017.