Student Art Exhibit:  My students have an art exhibit at the Pekin Public Library for the month of October "08.  Be sure to check out the colorful display of drawing and paintings.

"Jaguar  Coming"
This is a picture I painted and it won 1st place in the amateur division at the Morton Pumpkin Festival ('07) and it also won "Peoples Choice".

Currently, things have gotten pretty busy.

I heading up the Apache Home Educator Art Contest,  I am doing a few workshops in the community and I will continue teaching classes. 

In the beginning…. 
      My artist journey started when I was in elementary school.  As far back as I can remember, I have always been interested in drawing and painting.  I took every art class they offered in high school.  For me high school was from 1974-1978, when there were many art classes and budget cuts had not affected this area.  I took other classes on and off over the years, but have no degree in art.  The phrase "self taught" seems to fit.  I have read and studied a lot regarding art, art techniques and styles.  It ceases to amaze me, that I run across people from my past, who tell me they still have a picture that I painted for them.

     I have an extremely supportive family, who allow me to follow my passion for art.  I have been married to my husband Bill for 18 years and we have two children.  I did get a degree, but it is a Masters in Social Work.

     Several years ago my job ended and I actually had sometime on my hands to devote to art.  I started teaching art and drawing classes in March, 2006.  This came about, because of a need in the community for painting and drawing classes for children and adults.  When I started talking with parents, who had an artistic child, they became so excited about the possibility of  a place were their child could take affordable drawing or painting classes.  This spurred me on to get classes setup.  Then some adults stated that they were interested in a painting class, so then I started an adult painting class.

     As many say, the rest is history.  The first session of classes, I started out teaching four different classes.  I have truly enjoyed the excitement, artistic ability and creativity of the students.  I guess I must be doing something right, because the students keep coming back to take more classes.  Sometimes it is not easy, one reason is - I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1996.   I am very thankful that I am able to walk without assistance, hold a pencil or paint brush and most of the time think pretty clearly. 

     I would be at fault if I did not give credit to God for my health, my family, the success of my life and the classes. When I first started the business, Creative Arts 101, I totally gave it to God.  I feel that He brings in the students and He gives me the energy to teach the classes.  I do realize that this is on a very small scale, when it comes to the world, but for me it is the perfect size and fit.