Collage, Drawing, Jewelry Design, Painting, Printmaking

English

Arts/Cultural Organizations, Community Center, K-12 Schools, Library

I was graduated from the School of Visual Arts with a BFA degree in commercial art and later returned for a degree in art education. As a professional illustrator my artwork has been published in American Journal of Nursing, Readers Digest, Scholastic Magazine, Grosset & Dunlap, Geriatric Magazine, Playboy, The Publicist and numerous other publications. I worked as an illustrator for a children’s wear company, drawing and painting cartoon characters for their showroom and many of the company’s Walt Disney photo shoots. I also freelanced as a cell colorist for two of Bill Plympton’s animation films. One of these films won the Sundance award. Appearing on a segment of NBC news “Wednesday’s Child” with Janice Huff, I conducted a printmaking art workshop with several children who were featured for adoption. Invited by the well known National Art League, based in NY, to give a lecture and present my illustrations at their gallery. I designed and taught art workshops at the Museum of Arts & Design, and Greenburg Arts Council. I was awarded the “Lifetime Arts” Creative Aging grant in 2009, 2010 and 2013. I taught acrylic painting residencies for seniors, focusing on scenic landscape and organic elements of nature. I was awarded a second grant for The Westchester Libraries Project celebrating the Centennial of the Hudson River. Awarded a third grant to present my linoleum block printing & design. My current projects include drawing and painting pet portraits by commission and the creation of a line of whimsical greeting cards.

I find teaching seniors to be rewarding in that their past life experience and personal histories come to the surface. Creative activity helps improve and maintain a sharp, clear memory. It reduces the risk of depression. As a class creating art in a friendly relaxed comfortable environment helps people to feel actively involved and encourages socialization. Working side by side and by engaging in group discussion, and through group critiques, helps develop an appreciation for one another’s art, which will both serve as inspiration and motivation. One becomes so absorbed in the process of creating art that it is actually quite effective in reducing chronic pain suffered by many seniors. I teach skills each artist can build and expand upon, no matter what their level of expertise. My goal is that my students have fun while producing artwork that has special meaning and inspires them to continue to create. This will enable participants to develop their skills, bringing out the creative spirit in each of us.