My Story
I chose the field of art because of strong family influences. I would say teaching chose me. I was very involved in art at a young age; my mother was an art teacher. There was always an abundance of art supplies in our household. I graduated Medina High school receiving High School Art Award. At that time it was named after the late Lena Ainsworth, a retired art teacher who was a nationally recognized artist specializing in fiber. Though she was long retired before I attended the school, she had been my mother’s teacher, friend and my godmother. I have vague recollections of her studio/home with large looms for weaving. She and my mother truly planted the seeds of art and art making in my soul. I attended and graduated from University of Akron with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. I was immediately accepted into Kent State University graduate program and awarded a graduate teaching assistantship. My Kent State Experience was the beginning of my collegiate teaching career.
My Greatest Accomplishment
Having my art accepted into The Cleveland UK Biennale touring Drawing Exhibition very early in my career – this was my first international exhibit. Equally exciting was getting one of my paintings accepted into the Cleveland May Show. Another accomplishment that I’m proud was a commercial art project. Buckeye Horse Feed of Mars Company commissioned a series of anatomically based drawing of a horse’s digestive system. My artwork is still being used in their advertising and is one of their leading products.
Teaching Style
I sequentially build students’ visual and technical skills from the basics to complex. This process is less intimidating for students, builds on fundamental knowledge and contributes to student success in the classroom and beyond.
Favorite Part of the Job
No question – Working with the students!
Favorite Place on Campus
My favorite building is the Eells Art Center. This is where students can build their visual intelligence. Students from all majors are welcome to Eells to take an art class, participate in Kappa Pi (the art fraternity) or make art.
The Mount Union Experience
Students can easily double major in art and another area. Possible examples: Art/Engineering, Art/Biology, Art/Business, the list goes on. It also prepares students for life after college. Students receive an education that is balanced between preparing for their future careers and developing an understanding of humanity and the arts.
Art Major
An art major can lead you into many possible fields both in and out of art. Students can find meaningful work in the art profession in such areas as professional artist, graphic designer, art educator, museum educator or curator, the list goes on. An art major combined with another area can lead to a creative field beyond the obvious. The arts develops peoples’ empathy, humanity and ability to see the world differently. These folks can be future innovators, doctors, businessmen, entrepreneurs, and the list goes on.