About

The act of collecting is a fundamental part of my process. It is an avenue that merges my studio practice with daily life, prompting me to explore and connect with people through scavenging interactions. Over the years my dad has been one of my biggest resources and collecting partners. His hobby of scrapping metal brings what seems like an endless supply of treasures into his garage that he sets aside for me to sort through. Found materials introduce an outside influence into my work, and create a context for experimentation and play.

Drawing from my continuously building library of materials, I search for visual relationships between formal elements that attract my interest. Bringing small groupings of objects together, I begin to investigate dichotomies such as transience and permanence, heaviness and weightlessness, control and chaos, what is exposed vs. what is hidden. I am especially interested in exploring the interactions between materials with a solid, permanent presence and temporary moments, such as reflections, distortions, and light.

Material compositions begin to take form, as I construct them through varied means of assembly. I create active scenarios between objects; as they hang, bend, reflect, compress, or lean on each other. My work expands organically and intuitively. The viewer also plays a role in the work, as they move around and through the space. My assembled installations are a continuation of my experiences outside of the studio through searching, discovery, and the unexpected.

 

Teaching

For over a decade, I have worked with students from a wide range of age groups and ability levels. I have had the unique privilege of providing the first art class experiences for young children in kindergarten, and supporting those same students all the way through eighth grade. My teaching experiences span into high school and college art classes as well. To learn more about my professional experience as an art educator and view samples of student work, click the button below.

 

Curriculum Vitae

Education

  • Eastern Michigan University, 2020 Masters of Fine Art

  • University of Toledo, 2009 Bachelor of Art Education, Summa cum laude

Exhibition Record

2022     Group Exhibition, Art in The Woods, Open Air Art Space, Belleville, MI

2020     Solo Exhibition, Graduate Thesis Exhibition, University Gallery, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI

2019     Juried Group Exhibition, Emergence-19, Ford Gallery, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI

2019     Juried Group Exhibition, A Contemporary Drawing Exhibition, IU The Down Town Gallery, Indiana University, Kokomo, IN

2018     Juried Group Exhibition, Annual Graduate Student Exhibition, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI

2018-2019 Juried Group Exhibition, Arts in the Legislature, Michigan Legislature, Lansing, MI

2018     Juried Group Exhibition, Common Ground: Nature and the Human Experience, 22 North Gallery, Ypsilanti, MI

2018     Juried Group Exhibition, Art Now: Drawing, Ann Arbor Art Center, Ann Arbor, MI

2017     Group Exhibition, Sculpitecture Group Show, EMU Parsons Center, Lake Ann, MI

2016     Juried Group Exhibition, Detroit Biennial, Museum of New Art MONA, Armada, MI

2016     Juried Group Exhibition, Annual Juried Student Show, Ford Gallery, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI

2015-2016 Representation in University of Michigan Museum of Art Gift Store, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

2014     Juried Art Fair, Traverse City Cherry Festival, Traverse City, MI

2014     Juried Art Fair, Riverside Art Fair, Bay City, MI

2010     Solo Exhibition, Tree of Life Art Studio, Milan, MI

2008     Group Exhibition, Juried Biennial Student Exhibition, Center for the Visual Arts Gallery, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH

2008     Group Exhibition, ‘Tis the Secor, Secor Gallery, Toledo, OH

Professional Experience

  • Art Instructor K-8th grade, Ann Arbor Christian School, Ann Arbor, MI (2010-Present)

  • Summer Program Founder & Director, Ann Arbor Christian School, Ann Arbor, MI (2017-Present)

  • Summer Program Instructor, Ann Arbor Christian School, Ann Arbor, MI (2017-Present)

  • Graduate Assistant Instructor of Record, Eastern Michigan University (January 2017-December 2018)

  • Art Center Founding Member & Instructor, Milan Art Center, Milan, MI (July 2010-December 2012)

  • Tree of Life Art Studio & Small Gallery Owner, Milan Art Center, Milan, MI (June 2010-December 2012)

Volunteer Activity

  •  Art & Soul Charity Board Member Art & Soul, South East MI (November 2016-October 2017)

Paid Internships

  • Art Instructor, Toledo Museum of Art, Sofia Quintero Cultural Center, Toledo, OH (October 2007-December 2008)

Honors and Awards

  • 4.0 GPA, Masters of Fine Art Program, EMU

  • Graduate Assistantship as Instructor of Record, EMU

  • Graduated summa cum laude, Bachelor of Art Education, University of Toledo

  • Dean's list recognition all semesters, University of Toledo

  • Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society Member, University of Toledo

Publications & Articles