I’ve explored creativity throughout my life in a variety of forms and fashions, always seeking to learn and grow. After a career in law enforcement of more than 30 years, I’m spending my time getting down, dirty and very colorful playing in paint and mixed media formats.
While I don’t have a formal education in art, I’ve studied with many amazing artists over the years. The Art Student’s League of Denver has been instrumental in my art journey. Also, special thanks to Ardith Goodwin, Stephanie Gagos, and Kara Bullock for their inspiration and encouragement.
In a time of extreme divides, my work strives to celebrate the beauty found in each person’s uniqueness and the many things we share in common. I’m inspired by the people and critters who share our world, especially those enhancing our lives on a daily basis.
I share my home in Denver, Colorado, with my furry critters, Albus Dumbledog, Scarlett O’ Hairy and my ornery and lovable seventeen-year-old black cat, Bubba.
My Creative Journey - one step at a time
2021
Teaching-
- Paint Your Heart and Soul 2021 – Online Class
- Critters in the Wild – Currently in production
- Business or Pleasure 2021-1 – Live Online Class (Next Class with Open in the Fall of 2021)
Hosting Live Chats-
- Inspired to Create- A Chat With Artists – online interviews with Kathy Lewis (AKA: KJ Allison), Kimberly Santini, Ardith Goodwin, Jennifer Yoswa, Fonda Clark Haight, Jeanine Pennell, Jennifer Price Davis
Juried Shows-
- Stephanie Gago’s 2021 Online Spring Show (Sold Out Show)
- “Wild at Heart” an Invitational Show at Kanon Collective, Lakewood, Colorado
2020
Teaching-
- Critterfied– Online Class
- Business or Pleasure – Online Class
- Critter Country – Online Class
- Make Create Express 2020– Online Class
Hosting Live Chats-
- Inspired to Create- A Chat with Artists – online interviews with inspiring artists: Deb Weiers, Kara Bullock, Ardith Goodwin, Tiare Smith, Kina Crow, and Fabio Napoleoni
- Park Hill Art Club Saturday Art Chat – online interviews featuring local Colorado artists and instructors: Kathleen Lanzoni, Alexander Soukas, Rodgers Naylor, Jeffrey Keith, Anita Winter, Steve Griggs, Jennifer Bobola and Laura McElfresh
Juried Shows-
- September 22nd-October 2nd, Stephanie Gagos’ Online Quirk Show
- September 12-November 17th, Best of the Parker Artist’s Guild, Parker, Colorado
Award : Third Place for “Covered in Fur” - June 12th, Virtually Inspired, Senior Planet Colorado
- March 7-May 16, 2nd Bi-annual Pet Portraits: Animals We Love, Parker, Colorado
- February 20th-22nd, 46th Annual Parkview UCC Fine Arts Festival
Award: Honorable Mention for “Covered in Fur”
2019
Teaching-
- Quirky Characters: Bringing Fun Characters to Life- Park Hill Art Club
- Creative Play-Parker Arts
Juried Shows-
- Stephanie Gagos’ 2019 Handmade Holiday Show, Online
- Greeley Art’s Picnic, Greeley, Colorado
- Art Student’s League Summer Art Market, Denver, Colorado
- Parkview UCC 45th Annual Fine Arts Festival, Aurora, Colorado
Award: Honorable Mention for “Right on Target”
Solo Shows-
- Riverside Library, Evans, Colorado
- Rise and Shine Coffee Shop, Denver, Colorado
- Frame by Frame Shop, Denver, Colorado
Group Shows-
- Park Hill Art Club Fall Show, Denver, Colorado
- Park Hill Art Club Spring Show, Denver, Colorado
Award: People’s Choice 1st Place for “Snow Buddies
2018
Juried Shows-
- Stephanie Gago’s 2018 Handmade Holiday Event, online
- TrueArt West Fest, Lakewood, Colorado
- Best of the Parker Artist’s Guild Show, Parker, Colorado
Recognition: Rescuers Need Love Too selected to be featured on show flyer and in press coverage - Romancing the Arts Show, Castle Rock, Colorado
Award: Honorable Mention Ribbon for Ruby
Memberships-
Parker Artist’s Guild – 2018, 2020
Park Hill Art Club – Communications Coordinator, Show Co-Coordinator and Board Member 2018-present
Art Student’s League of Denver
Donations-
A portion of proceeds from the sale of my t-shirts, rescue paintings, rescue prints and rescue note cards is donated to area non-profits focused on improving the lives of animals and people. Proceeds from the sale of paintings, prints and note cards related to Rescuers Need Love Too will be donated to local first responder related charities.
Prints have been donated to the following organizations for fundraising auctions:
Freedom Service Dogs
Denver Animal Shelter
Painted Paws for Veterans
Larimer Humane Society
Financial donations have been provided to the following organizations from the sale of items related to the rescue series and t-shirts:
Adsit Strong
Painted Paws for Veterans
Golden Retriever Freedom Rescue
Denver Dumb Friends League
Red Fern Animal Rescue
A Place to Bark