About
I love to combine materials and techniques; this makes mixed media a perfect fit for expressing my artistic vision. There are unlimited ways to combine media and my willingness to explore a variety of these keeps me excited about my work. I find myself enthusiastic about spending time in my studio where I feel propelled by momentum from previous bodies of work.
My style relies equally on intuition and discipline. When I have an idea, I do my best to figure out how to realize it and expand my skill set as necessary. This approach enables me to embrace both the fun and the tedious aspects of being a working artist. Carving styrofoam, cutting glass, searching for the perfect adhesive or substrate is balanced by meditative hours deeply involved in creating.
My Process
I developed my sculptural process in order to make figures that would stand without bases. For the armatures, I carve styrofoam and fill it with a core of plaster and sand for weight. The carved form is covered with papier mache and then receives a final layer of air-drying clay. Patina is achieved with acrylic paint and wax. I sometimes cover the painted surfaces with glass mosaic.
Solo Exhibitions
Lanesboro Arts Center 2011
Calvary Luthern Church, Excelsior MN 2019
Group Exhibitions
Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition 1995, 2004, 2007, 2016, 2021, Award of Excellence for Form & Content 2022
Arts in Harmony International Show 2002 - 2004, 2011, 2018
Arts North International Show 2020 - 2021, Second Place Sculpture 2021, First Place Glass 2023
Menagerie, Minnetonka Center for the Arts 2016, 2022
Hopkins Center for the Arts, Member Show 2015 - 2023, Award of Merit 2016, Honorable Mention 2018, Award of Merit 2020, Honorable Mention 2022
Primavera, Plymouth MN 2013 - 2023, Award of Excellence 2014, 2015, 2023
University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Community Gallery 2019
Garden Show, Minnetonka Center for the Arts 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017
Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, WI 2014
Hudson and New Richmond Hospital Healing Arts Program, WI 2012, 2014
Member Salon, Minnetonka Center for the Arts 2011 Honorable Mention
Plymouth Congregational Church, Invitational, Minneapolis, MN 2011
Minnetonka Center for the Arts Faculty Show, 2010 - 2018
Art of the Doll, Robbin Gallery, Robbinsdale, MN 2010
Minnetonka Center for the Arts Figure Show 2009, 2014
Minnetonka Center for the Arts Community Gallery, Ridgedale Center 2009 - 2017
Mentor/Protege Exhibition, Textile Center of Minnesota 2008
Art of the Doll, Pump House, LaCrosse, WI 2006
Franklin Bank Community Art Show, Minneapolis, MN 2006
St. John’s University, International Fiber Show, Collegeville, MN 2005
Minnesota Crafts Council juried member show 1997, 1999
Frank Stone Gallery, Minneapolis MN, two person show 2000, 2002
Textile Center of Minnesota, member show, Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson WI 2001
Lake Elmo Art Center, Invitational Fiber Show, 2002
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Art, University of Wisconsin at River Falls
Mentorship program through the Textile Center of Minnesota 2007 - 2008
Affiliations
American Crafts Council
Minnetonka Center for the Arts
Hopkins Center for the Arts