My interest in art began after leaving my career in International Banking to raise my family. (In the 1980's). I received a set of oil paints as a birthday gift from my husband. After playing with them I instantly knew that I wanted this creative outlet in my life. I began to take adult education classes in painting and drawing and I met Bucks County Artist Ellen Hall who encouraged me in a safe environment. I consider Ellen my mentor, but I can't be so selfish because she has nutured the creative seed in many, many artists of all ages. I still paint with Ellen and The Ivyland Art Group. I also enrolled at Montgomery County Community College for my Fine Arts Degree. They have a wonderful art program there and I have met many wonderful teachers and friends there.
My paintings are colorful and varied. I enjoy using different mediums and surfaces according to my moods. Mostly I paint in oils and pastels. My inspiration comes from many directions: Nature, animals, gardens, people. Painting is my way of honoring the beauty of what I see.
I currently am a member of the Manayunk Art Center, an artists co-op. The artists put on monthly art exhibits. I serve as the treasurer and also help with publicity there. Myself and another member Pauline Braun, started a gift shop at the center. This allowed member artists another venue to sell their art related products besides their original paintings.
Other memberships are The Ivyland Art Center, Ivyland, Pa and The Oreland Art Center where I exhibit in their art shows.
Here are places where my work has been exhibited:
Ivyland Art Group (annual holiday shows, peach festivals, garden art tour)
Oreland Art Group (annual Members show at The Highlands, Mather Mill (juried), and The Wissahickon Library group show.)
The Phila. Sketch Club (juried)
The Ferry House (Lambertville and Princeton, NJ)
Artists Cultural Show at Elkins Park Library (juried)
Wagner Museum
Ambler Main Street art show at Artman.
Milestones Gift Shop and Gallery, Ft. Washington, Pa
Montgomery County Community College, student exhibitions
Sacred Mountain Art Show, Jim Thorpe, Pa (juried)
Tinicum Arts Festival
Memaid Art Studio, Ambler, Pa
Bucks County Art Auction benefiting Pearl S. Buck International (juried)
Buckingham Frame Shop and Gallery, Buckingham, Pa
The Ambler Grille, Ambler, Pa
The Upstairs Gallery, Peddlers Village, Lahaska, Pa
Long & Foster Real Estate Office, Blue Bell, Pa
Arbor Meadow FArm, Horsham, Pa
Main Street Manor Bed & Breakfast, Flemington, Nj
Manayunk Art Center, Philadelphia, Pa (featured artist November 2007)
Arnica & Ivy DAy Spa, Flourtown, Pa
Saxby's Coffee, Main Street, Manayunk
Maria's Ristorante on Summit, Ridge Ave, Phila
Picture Framing Galley, Flourtown, Pa (artist of the month July 2009)
Orbit Gallery, Main Street, Manayunk.
Pure Spa, Ambler, Pa
Arnica & Ivy Day Spa, Flourtown, Pa
Art In The Storefront, Main Street, Manayunk Feb 2010.
Solo Exhibitions:
Rydal Park Retirement Home, February 2003.
The Free Library Of Springfield Township, Wyndmoor, Pa August 2003
Springfield REsidence, Wyndmoor, Pa Feb 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Mongomery REhabilitation Hospital, Wyndmoor, Pa March 2005,2006,2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Manayunk Art Center, Phila., Pa (featured Artist November 2007)
Gallery Affiliations:
The Upstairs Gallery, Peddlers Village, Lahaska, Pa (August 2003-August 2005)
Board Member - Publicity and Hanging committee
Manayunk Art Center - co-operative Gallery, Phila., Pa since July 2007
Board Member-Treasurer, Publicity committee, Gift Shop Committee
Awards:
Honorable Mention-Printmaking
Montgomery County Community College
Student Art Show April 2004
"Country Store" Drypoint etching
First Place - Printmaking
Montgomery County Community College
Student Art Show April 2005
"London Sky" Etching
Second Place-Sculpture
Montgomery County Community College
Student Art Show April 2009
"Forest Life" Wood Assemblage
