My goal is that my paintings will remind the viewer of our deep connection to the landscape and nature, and the sense that we can still find serenity in our increasingly fast-paced world. Being an artist affords me the opportunity to present both the everyday and the iconic in such a manner that people see those images in a new way. When an artist interprets a scene, nuances are revealed that bring us back again and again to relive the moment. Shapes, color, and the play of light all help to create a mood that can be very satisfying in any number of ways... |
My love of art began in high school, and it was an art teacher who strongly encouraged my parents to make arrangements for me to study further after graduation. Additionally, my father instilled an interest in and love of nature, which also played a role in the direction I've taken with my career. I graduated from Kendall School of Design's Illustration program, and my subsequent work as an illustrator and graphic artist laid the foundation for my now full-time focus on fine art. My interest has been, and continues to be, landscape. Some of my influences are American painters from around the turn of the last century, particularly some California-based painters, including Edgar Payne, William Wendt, Alson Clark, and many, many others.
EXHIBITIONS/AWARDS
2016: “Then and Now”, a two woman show in Leland, MI, at the Old Art Building
2016: Paintings featured at a Visbeen Architect designed Fall Parade of Homes entry in the greater Grand Rapids area (MI)
2015: Works appeared in the essay: “Accomplished Michigan Painters”, Michigan Homes & Lifestyles magazine, Summer issue.
2014: Three person exhibition at Button Petter Gallery, Douglas, MI.
2014: Best in Show- 1st annual Plein air paint-out and exhibition, Northport Arts Association, Northport, MI.
2014: Work chosen for the Muskegon Regional juried exhibition at the Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, MI.
2013: Work appeared in a special exhibit at Kendall School of Design: "Contemporaries: Then and Now", Grand Rapids, MI
2013: Work included in the full-color book, Art of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and accompanying exhibition at Dennos Museum, Traverse City
2013: Two-person exhibition, Button-Petter Gallery, Douglas, MI
2012: Festival of the Arts, Grand Rapids, MI., juried show. Also `05-`11, and `95-`03, with Purchase Awards in 1998 and 1995
2011: One-person exhibition, Button-Petter Gallery, Douglas, MI
2011: Works appeared in a photo essay in St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles magazine, September issue, “Sentimental Journey”.
2010: Received the Sam Afendoulis Memorial Award, Festival of the Arts, Grand Rapids, MI
2009: Featured artist, Leland Wine & Food Festival poster
2009: Paintings featured in a juried full-color book and exhibition, The Saugatuck Dunes
2007: Grand Traverse Regional Invitational Show, artcenter, Traverse City, MI
2007: One-Person exhibition, Twisted Fish Gallery, Elk Rapids, MI
2005: Winner, Leelanau Peninsula Vinters Assoc. Print Competition
1999: One-person exhibition, Huntington Bank, Lowell, MI
1996: One-person exhibition, Gallery Upstairs, Grand Haven, MI
1996: One-person exhibition, Muskegon Women's Club, Muskegon, MI
1996: Fountain Street Church exhibition, Grand Rapids, MI
1995-1999: Lowell Area Arts Council Regional Competition, Lowell, MI