About

I trained at Ball State University under watercolorist Marilynn Derwenskus. I was a fellow to Marilynn Derwenskus for two consecutive years, 2005 and 2006, and earned my BFA in Painting.

Shortly after college I began a career in graphic design. For the next 16 years my time was spent at a computer working with fonts, colors, and copy. At the same time I was a wife, mother of two biological children, and foster parent of another child, so my life and family kept me very busy. Painting, though still very much a part of my life, was no longer the central focus of my time.

In 2023, I left my full-time graphic design job and transitioned to contract design work, allowing me to focus more on my family and painting. That same year, as I turned 40, I set a goal of completing 40 paintings in my 40th year. After achieving that goal, I felt it was time to begin sharing my work with others.

While my college work focused more on portraiture and making obvious statements, my current paintings center on places I have visited with my family. I am inspired by strong lighting and dramatic shadows. I am drawn to subjects featuring typography—especially weathered signage—partly due to my years working as a graphic designer. I love faded paint, rusted nails, and reflective lightbulbs—the combination of natural erosion with man-made color and words. Each painting holds a memory for me. I hope my work evokes memories for viewers as well, encouraging them to observe the world around them rather than taking their surroundings for granted.

I currently live in Warsaw, Indiana with my family. I work part-time, allowing more time to paint and create.

Education 

Ball State University, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Painting, 2002-2006.

Employment

Graphic Designer, Warsaw Community Church, December 2006 to Februrary 2023.

Contract Graphic Designer, December 2023 to present.

Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional, Presby Preschool, July 2024. 

Professional Affiliations

Watercolor Society of Indiana, Member.

Lakeland Art Association, Member.

Exhibitions

May 15 to July 5, 2026

Michiana Annual Art Competition 2026, Box Factory for the Arts, Saint Joseph, Michigan. (Juried)

 

May 8 to June 26, 2026

Over By There: All Things Chicago, The Fulton Street Collective, Chicago, Illinois. (Juried)

 

May 1 to 31, 2026

Lakeland Art Gallery Annual Spring Show Prospectus, Lakeland Art Gallery, Warsaw, Indiana. (Juried)

 

April 29 to May 30, 2026

Solo Exhibit, Warsaw Community Public Library, Warsaw Indiana.

April 28 to May 29, 2026

Hearland Art Center Small Wonders 2026, Plymouth Historic Fire Station, Plymouth, Indiana. (Juried)

 

April 18 to May 29, 2026

Watercolor Society of Indiana Membership Exhibit, The Stutz, Indianapolis, Indiana.

 

April 16 to May 25, 2026

2026 Hendricks Live! Art Exhibition, Hendricks Live, Plainfield, Indiana.* (Juried)

 

April 11, 2026

Art Fair at the Library, Warsaw Community Public Library, Warsaw, Indiana.

 

March 18 to April 28, 2026

Solo Exhibit, Lakeland Art Gallery, Warsaw Indiana.

 

February 21 to March 28, 2026

Watercolor Society of Indiana Membership Exhibit, Delphi Opera House, Delphi Indiana.

 

Awards

*Rapid River Motel won second place at the Hendricks Live Art Exhibition on April 16, 2026.