Artist Biography

Born and raised in Peoria, IL., the third daughter to Shookie and Gloria. Shookie worked in the recycling industry and was a self-taught mixed-media artist; Gloria, a nurturing mother and antique dealer. My "adult years" in Illinois included studies at the University of Illinois in C-U and work in both the theatre and in radio. In my late twenties I journeyed toward my NYC roots and spent 21 years there juggling survival, performance art, visual art, antique dealing, writing, producing & performing in the theatre. It was there that I began studying clay at Greenwich House Pottery in the late 90’s. I studied with some terrific ceramic artists including Peter Gourfain, Melissa Stern, Anna Siok, Justin Novak and Kate Missett. I rusticated to the mountains of NC just four years ago to explore the fruits of focussing --- my chosen immersion --- CLAY. I have studied with remarkable artists both at The Penland School of Crafts and in their private studios -- Lisa Clague, Tom Spleth, Cristina Cordova, Holly Walker and Paul Wandless. I work at the Penland School of Crafts in Development and I teach "mixed media clay with a focus on recycling" in the elementary schools in both Mitchell and Yancey Counties. I also teach at Penland Kid's Camp.

I am honored to be the newest clay resident at the EnergyXchange. Presently, my work is available at Crimson Laurel Gallery in Bakersville, NC. (www.crimsonlaurelgallery.com), The Toe River Arts Council in Spruce Pine, NC and Burnsville, NC.