Artist Statement

I work in collaborative environments that foster a sense of belonging -- sharing information, sharing techniques, exchanging and donating artwork, creating exhibitions and workshops, and hosting other kinds of community events.  I work with local non-profit organizations that assist returning war veterans and families as the reintegrate into society.  I also work with groups to creatively address issues in our community – hunger, communication, wellness and resiliency.  My specific goals are to create collaborative arts experiences for these particular populations -- creating communication tools, artwork and organizing exhibitions centered on artistic expressions of healing and coping. 

Collaborative arts processes -- such as printmaking and papermaking -- are catalysts for communities to experiment with forms of expression and creativity, and are also opportunities to foster new ideas, advance critical thinking and form relationships.  To leave the quiet and sanctity of the artist studio for art making in public spaces invites the kind of interchange that can connect disparate segments of a community.  For those groups that express a sense of disenfranchisement, loss of connection with society, or suffering from alienation, art making not only results in a flow of creative expression, but also fosters dialogue that dispels misinformation, deepens understanding, and strengthens the foundation of the community. 

Artist CV 

Education
BFA 2011 Printmaking – George Mason University
MFA 2014 Critical Arts Practices (Social Engagement)

Experience
2010 – Present, Principle, The Arts & the Military
             Program Manager, Critical Arts Practice focused on Community Building through Arts
2011 – Present, Board member, Printmakers Inc., Studio 14
            Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, VA (Non-Profit Community Organization)
2016 – Present, Adjunct Professor, George Mason University
             College of Visual and Performing Arts – Digital Printmaking, Art Entrepreneurship

Highlights

• Library of Congress, multiple veteran related works on paper as part of the permanent print collection - https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2019631372/
• Capital One Art, Collection 9 woodcut/serigraph portraits as part of permanent collection.
• Numerous private collections and university special collections
• Participant in over 100 juried fine-art shows; Danzon Art Gallery, Cosmo Club, Georgetown University, Strathmore, Washington Ballet, Pepco Gallery Place, The Candy Factory, Joan Hisako Healing Arts Gallery, Washington Print Club, Art League, Brooklyn Art Space, Capitol One
• Supported/Curated approximately 25 exhibitions,
• Conducted printmaking/papermaking workshops at various venues, reaching over 5,000 participants since 2010

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Grants/Awards 

• 2010 Grant  - In Service to the Nation:  Arts and Crafts in the Military, Center for Craft, Creativity & Design, a center of UNC Asheville
• 2012 9/11 Arts Project Recognition by Director Smith Farm Healing Arts Presentation to Society for Arts in Healthcare International Conference
• 2015 Grant (Participant) – Al-Mutanabbi Street Starts Here, National Endowment for the Arts​

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Meet the Printmakers Inc. Artists