Florida Artists Group

Artists Bio:





Artist Statement:

My work is realism The completed work is an added combination or reduced version of the reference image.  I build a story for the viewer to interpret and rather than create an overly sentimental version of what I see, my work reflects the interactions of the landscape, the people and objects within that environment.   For each expression I use what is left behind by the former occupants to define the space and tell their story.  I want to explore how time can be measured by art and how we view these landscapes through the distance of time and reflection. 

Whenever possible, I  work with bits of color, patterns,
textures and compositions as found objects within the
reference to complete the story I want to tell.  My work in pencil and colored pencil allows me to render my vision to the fullest expression possible. 

I enjoy the challenge of the materials and have a passion for paper in all forms.   A search for technical excellence and an interpretive story are part of my artistic journey.

Awards and Recognitions
International / National
 International Exhibition of the Colored Pencil Society of America
Work Accepted 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Colored Pencil Society of America Signature Statues 2015
 International Exhibition of the Colored Pencil Society of America, Explore This!
 Legion Paper Award of Recognition  2014
Work Accepted 2015

Regional
Gainesville Fine Art Association  - Best of Show 2015
“It’s Colored Pencil!, 2015”  Orlando City Arts Factory, Orlando, Florida 3rd Place 2015
Spring Fling – Annette Turner Gallery , Valdosta, Georga work accepted for Colson Calendar 2013, 2014
“It’s Colored Pencil!, 2013” Santa Fe College, Gainesville, Florida First Place 2013
“It’s colored Pencil!, 2012”  St. Petersburg, Florida Honorable Mention 2012
Osceola Center for the Arts First Place 2012
Annette Turner Gallery, Valdosta, Georgia Merit Award 2011
“Flaunt 25” Thomasville, Georgia Thomasville  Cultural Center First Place 2011
Valdosta State College, National Show Work Accepted 2012 , 2013
Gainesville Fine Art Association at Oak Hammock Gainesville, Florida First Place 2011
“Drawing” Osceola Center for the Arts, Kissimmee, Florida First Place 2010
Kissimmee Main Street Sculpture Experience Work Accepted 2009
OsceolaCenter for the Arts, Kissimmee, Florida Annual Judged Show First Place 2009
“Take Out” exhibition, Brevard Museum of Art Work Accepted 2009
Osceola Center for the Arts, Kissimmee, Florida Annual Judged Show Best of Show 2008
Central Florida Watercolor Society Orlando City Arts Factory, Orlando, Florida Honorable Mention 2007
“Drawing” Osceola Center for the Arts, Kissimmee, Florida First Place 2007
National Arts Program - School District Osceola County Kissimmee, Florida Second Place 2004
2006-2007 Osceola Center Event Schedule and publications.

Local
Art League of North Florida, Lake City, Florida   2015 First Place
Live Oak Artists Guild - Autumn Artfest Live Oak, Florida Second Place 2015
Art League of North Florida, Lake City, Florida   2014 Second Place
Live Oak Artists Guild - Autumn Artfest Live Oak, Florida First Place 2013
Live Oak Artists Guild - Autumn Artfest Live Oak, Florida Best of Show 2012
Live Oak Artists Guild - Autumn Artfest Live Oak, Florida Second Place 2011
Marie Collins Award Autumn Artfest Live Oak, Florida 2009
Friends of the Library Columbia County First Place 2007
Live Oak Artists Guild - Autumn Artfest Live Oak, Florida Second Place 2006


Exhibitions:

 

Current  Work:

Currently, I am developing series of drawings based on family photos and childhood images.  I anticipate this project will help me explore my  personal history

Publications:

Colored Pencil Society of America, To The Point
June, 2015, January, 2015, June, 2014, January, 2014,, Winter, 2013
Colored Pencil Magazine January, 2013
Suwannee Valley Scene, Suwannee County July / August- 2010
The Spectrum – (CPSA Publication) November 2010
Oasis – Central Florida 2009
Orlando Sentinel, Orlando, Florida April 5, 2002
Celebration News, Celebration, Florida June 2002

Community Involvement:

 I anticipate continued affiliation with the Community Redevelopment Agency of
Suwannee County, Florida to build and expand the arts as an integral part of the
Jazz, Arts and Blues Festival.  The number of artists and interest in this community event has expanded in the past two years and this growth is expected to continue.  
Currently I am working with The Live Oak Artists Guild, Heritage Park and the University of Florida Extension Services to feature Suwannee County as part of the National Quilt Trail.  This project brings in varied groups to work on an historical quilt murals that blend the arts with local culture and interest.  
It is part of my life as an artist to promote art through community involvement, organizing shows and exhibitions and promoting other artists.  My efforts center on these goals. 

Education & Credentials:

BS in Education – Florida Southern College, Lakeland, Florida
State Of Florida Department of Education  Professional Educator’s Certificate Art K-12 Certification
Gifted / Endorsement

Teaching Experience:

Five years self contained classroom 2 & 3 rd grade  1994-1999
Received Sally Mae “First Year Teacher” award

Applied for and received Osceola Education Foundation Grant twice in the amounts of $1000.00 and $500.00.

Participated in Looping Program from 2nd to 3rd grade.  98% of my students stayed with the program for the two years.

Gifted Endorsement, Stetson University, 1998.

Eleven years Elementary Art 1999-2009

Presented students art work in Osceola Student Art Show with a record of 5 – 6 winners every year with a limit of 10 pieces allowed per school

Published the school yearbook from 1999-2009
Included ESE /DDH / ADD &ADHD / Autistic and Special needs students in the Art Curriculum

Worked with school theater group on stage design and productions
Facilitated teacher workshops for Gifted Endorsement

Other related Activities:

Adult Art Instruction / Workshops

I elected to return to college and earn a BS in Education after a career at Walt Disney World.  My life experiences proved beneficial in my new career.  My desire to reach students through the use of hands on activities and student involvement in instruction made for a classroom where kids wanted to learn.