Main Page Webmaster's Site

Born in Grand Rapids, MI on Dec. 9, but raised in the rural town of Allendale, on a fruit farm. My grandparents & my father raised & sold peaches, pears, grapes & apples. During high school I took many art classes & a psychology class. I always enjoyed helping others, which swayed my decision away from art. After graduating from Allendale High School, I declared a major in psychology at GVS. I made many other life altering decisions & transitions in the 80's. I married Paul, a produce sales representative. I graduated from Grand Valley State & gave birth to son, Greg in '86. I never gave up on my true passion for art. While I was a stay-at-home-mom I painted a mural in my son's room. He inspired me to paint other murals throughout the house, during the '90's. The murals are tropical scenes with ceramic angels I painted and placed on the painted clouds. It gives a heavenly and serene feel to the rooms. In 1998, tragedy struck when I lost my mother to complications of diabetes. My family & friends helped me cope, as well as, prompted me to enroll at Kendall College of Art & Design. Due to having family responsibilities, I went part-time, so it took 5 years, but it was worth it. Follow your dreams, stuck with it and you can achieve your goals too. It was a very positive experience with encouraging professors and some talented classmates who still keep in touch. I felt honored to have studied with all of them. I graduated with Honors on May 2004 with a BFA in Illustration. My work spans a variety of subject matter. Some of my favorites are tropical settings, and wildlife. Also, I enjoy the freedom of abstract work, and the beauty in making angels. My mediums include acryllic, collage, colored pencil, water color, and a few oils. My pallete mainly consists of cool colors, such as blues, and natural greens. My artwork has appeared in local art shows. My artwork can also be viewed locally at Accents Gallery in Grand Rapids, MI on Fulton St. I reside in Grand Rapids, MI with my husband Paul, my son Greg who attends GVSU pursuing a degree in computer science, with a minor in engineering. Also, he works as Sand Creek Studio's webmaster, and enjoys photography.