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The Impressionable Years
From Kindergarten to High School graduation, art was my main focus in life. I knew at a very early age I wanted to be an artist. Little did I know I would grow up to be an art teacher! -
Kindergarten
My earliest memory of loving art was in Kindergarden at an open house. My mother mingled with the other parents and I stood in front the wall admiring the displayed artwork that my class had created thus far. A gentleman leaned over and said to me, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" My reply was quick and VERY assured, "I'm going to be an artist." -
My First Mural
In second grade I received fingerpaints for Christmas from a relative. I was so excited to be able to use REAL paint at home, but my mother did not share my enthusiasm! I asked her every day for permission to use them before finally taking matters into my own hands and sneaking them down from the top closet shelf and busting them open. It felt awesome between my fingers and the colors looked wonderful on my bedroom wall. I never got to use paints again. -
Van Gogh
In 5th grade we were focusing on self-portraits and learning about Vincent Van Gogh. I became obsessed with learning about him on a personal level more so than being interested in his artwork. Sure, Starry Night was intriguing, however not as interesting as learning about someone so tortured that they would cut off their own ear! This is my first experience with connecting with an artist on a level other than for the love of their art. -
Gift of Art
When my oldest daughter was 5 and my oldest son was 3, I shocked many of my friends (who also had children) by buying the kids art sets for Christmas. It wasn't the huge boxes of crayons or the oversized pads of paper & coloring books that made their jaws drop...the fingerpaints & clay were what seemed to be the issue. "Oh my you are asking for it," or "I would never do that for kids so young... there will be a HUGE mess," is what I heard a lot. I gave them what I wasn't permitted to have. -
The Origami Experiment
I worked in the kitchen of a daycare when my kids were younger. One day I sat in for a sick teacher of the afterschool class. I had never been in charge of so many children at once & had no clue what to do so I gave them free time. One little boy brought me an origami book & asked me if I had ever heard of it. The next thing I knew I was showing the class how to create a crane in origami. They were thrilled to learn this new cool art and I earned brownie points with my boss. -
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Undergraduate Studies
During this time period I started with Santa Fe, took some time off school and then finished up with Brescia. -
Time @ Santa Fe
Studying for my Associate of Arts with a focus in Graphic Design at Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville Florida, I met the professor (Patrick Grigsby) that would forever change the way I look at art. He had an amazing ability to challenge his students and bring out the best in them. This was the first time I considered teaching art...I wanted to bring out in others what he had brought out in me! -
Time @ Brescia
During my undergraduate studies I fell in love with making Stained Glass, learned a great deal about art history, and spent several nights concentrating on drawing the nude human form. One professor in particular forced us to do the unthinkable... maintain a sketchbook! I am grateful that he did because I really got to see my drawing skills improve and evolve and still have this book today. -
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The Graphic Design Years
From Graduation to "The Layoff" I came to terms with the idea that I was not meant to be a Graphic Designer. -
The Museum Experience
The summer immediately following graduation I worked in the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art. This experience helped me to revisit the idea of teaching art to children. We had a summer art camp in the basement of the museum where we taught the children about some of the artworks we currently displayed and helped them to re-create the room into a full size replica of their chosen piece. They also created soundtracks and a short play for the parents to admire on their final day of camp. -
Life of a Graphic Designer
The relocation to south Florida from Owensboro, Kentucky was one of hope and excitement. I had a job waiting for me as a Graphic Designer at a local printshop and I was ready to bring my skills and knowledge with me. During my 4 years with this employer I learned what NOT to do with art as well as how to bring to life the images that reside in our clients minds. The thrills I took from watching their eyes light up while they proofed their new logo is definitely one that never lost its value. -
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The New Quest
After a long summer of contemplation, I took the leap and dove head first into grad school. Slowly the revelation appeared that I had finally made the right career choice! -
Time with Crawley
My Final Internship at McMullen Booth is an experience that will last a lifetime! Mrs. Crawley is an amazing teacher and a wonderful mentor. Her classroom management skills are top notch and her love for children is unmeasurable. This is one teacher I am proud to have learned from and with! -
Douglas Jamerson Elementary
Immediately following my internship I was recommended for an art teaching position at a prestigious magnet school in south St. Petersburg Florida. Their Art Teacher took a maternity leave and will be out the remainder of the school year. I was shocked, grateful, scared, and excited all at once! Thus far this experience has made positive changes in me and continues to do so daily!
