"In both my work and life, the tension between control and surrender is one that I am continually working through, and that is reflected in my creative process.  Layering soft organic shapes over wrinkled tissue reminds me of the inevitable scrapes and scars in each of our lives.  Charcoal, for example, is a medium that I have almost complete control over, and I use it often in outlining. Contrarily, I have almost zero control over gold leaf -- and yet ironically it is among my favorite materials to work with. The balance of working to wield my craft skillfully while learning to embrace limitations brings up hard questions about lament, but the peace and joy that result go far beyond the metaphor."

Resume

Education

1995 – 1999            Harding University, Searcy, AR

                                         BA Elementary Education

                                         Art Minor

1998                       Harding University Study Abroad Program, Florence, Italy

                                         Concentrated Study of Humanities

2012 – 2013            Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA

                                         MA Illustration

Solo Exhibitions

2016                       Deeper Truths, Hamilton Williams Gallery, Morganton, NC

                               Stories of Hope, Christian Learning Centers of Greenville

                               Feather: A Story of Hope, Hoyt Center for the Arts, New Castle, PA

2014                       Myths and Fables, ArtWorks, Grove City, PA

                               Myths and Fables, Bottlebrush Gallery, Harmony, PA

2011                       Look Closer, Bottlebrush Gallery, Harmony, PA

2010                       Redemption Stories, Blue Heron Gallery, Volant, PA

Group Exhibitions

2016                       His Story, Her Story, Hoyt Center for the Arts, New Castle, PA

2015                       A Female Perspective, Pittsburgh, PA

                               Butler Institute of American Art Annual Exhibition, Butler, OH

                                         Honorable Mention

2014                       Grove City ArtWorks Opening Show, Grove City, PA

                               Autumn Art Walk, Grove City, PA

2013                        Justice and Mercy, Park Cities Presbyterian Church, Dallas, TX

2012                       Project Eve: A Celebration of Women in the Arts, Grove City College, PA

                                         Featured Artist

                               Autumn Art Walk, Grove City, PA

2011                       Okello: Wells for Africa Project, Grove City College, PA

                               Reunion Show, Blue Heron Gallery, Volant, PA

                               Artisans, Grove City, PA

Teaching Experience

2017-present          Spartanburg Art Museum

                                         creator and facilitator of classes and workshops - preschool to adult

2018-2020               TR Makers Co

                                         program coordinator

                                         instructor

2017-2018               Artios Academy

                                         creator of K-8th curriculum                                      

                                         teacher of art history and hands-on art for K-8th grade           

2014                       LAYERS: mixed media workshop

                                         creator and facilitator

                               Painting With Scissors Collage Workshop

                                         creator and facilitator

                               Meet the Modern Masters: Art Workshop for Children

                                         creator and facilitator

2011 – 2013            Grove City Christian Academy

                                         elementary art teacher

1999 – 2003            North Little Rock School District

                                         2nd/3rd grade teacher

Publications

Books:                   Feather:  A Story of Hope.  Pine Tree Publishing, 2015.

                              Childhood Rhymes.  Pine Tree Publishing, 2015.

Book Contributions:

                              The Art of Storytelling. North Light Books, 2015.

                              Relax. Restore. Renew.  North Light Books, 2016.

Articles:                “Painting the Change.” Views and Voices August 2015.

                              “From the Artist.”  Living the Grove April 2015.  online.

                              “Artist Lost, Artist Found.” Cloth Paper Scissors March-April 2015: 94-95.

                              “Five Things We Love.” Pittsburgh Magazine February 2015: 35.

Affiliations

                              Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators                              2014 – 2015

                             CIVA: Christians in the Visual Arts                            2012 – 2015

                             Grove City Arts Council                                             2011 – 2015

                             Grove City Arts Council board member                  2011 – 2014