Painting, Drawing, Collage

English

K-12 Schools, After School Program, Community Center, Library

1995 Silvermine Art Center - First place mixed media 1998 Katonah Museum of Art 1999 New Canaan Society for the Arts - First place mixed media 1999 Northern Westchester Center for the Arts - Best of Show Award 2001 Northern Westchester Center for the Arts - Award of Excellence Clients: New York Magazine, University of Pittsburg Press, Scholastic Books,Family Circle Magazine, Harper Collins

Katonah Lewisboro School District John Jay High School - 2001 through 2004 - art teacher Katonah Lewisboro School District Meadow Pond Elementary School - 2010 - 2011 art teacher Ruth Keeler Memorial Library 2010 through 2012 - art teacher

Artist Statement Art has always been a huge part of my life. The idea that I can share the joy I feel creating art by teaching others is amazing. In all of my classes I encourage an atmosphere of non-judgemental relaxed creativity. I want my students to feel comfortable, not stressed out, about "producing" art. This is especially true when working with older adults. Where most children just jump right in to art projects, older students hesitate and tend to question themselves and their abilities. They need to be encouraged to see that art is accessible, achievable, and fun. One of the workshops I created was making Artist Trading Cards. Over a period of 6 weeks the participants collaged, painted and drew - making sets of small cards based on different themes. As they worked side by side friendships developed and ideas flew back and forth. People helped each other by sharing materials and offering suggestions. The results were wonderful. Older adults who had no art background at all were thrilled at what they had created. At the culminating event the cards were laid out, studied and admired and then finally traded. Every participant left with a small piece of art made by each one of the other students in the class. The workshop was so successful that over a year later many of those same students are still meeting, making and trading cards. My goal in teaching is to help students tap into their own creativity. I firmly believe that everyone can do this. I strive to instill in my students a sense of confidence and accomplishment. They learn basic art techniques but they also learn that they are capable of much more. Ultimately I want my students to see that not only can they make art, but that making art can be a joy