I have been creating art as long as I can remember.  I remember my art teacher in elementary school much more vividly than any other teachers from my early years.  Tall with flowing red hair, she would whisk into our classroom once a week with some new exciting project; paint, collage or clay.  I longed for "art day" to come every week. 

 

It was later in high school, I really began to understand that I had a true love and talent in art.  I experienced new mediums like print-making and pen and ink.  My teacher encouraged me to start thinking about "doing something with art" in my life. 

 

In college, I expanded my art expression to various forms, including interior design, photography, woodworking, and fiber arts.  Then I fell in love with glass.  I began making stained-glass art whenever I had time outside of my studies and work.  In 1999, I received a BS from Florida State University, School of Visual Arts.

 

I had my first child soon after graduation.  Motherhood is amazing - it opened my eyes to the importance of making the world better place for our children.  I began to realize I wanted to teach to give children opportunities to explore, experiment, and develop their creative talents.  I studied education as a graduate student at the University of North Florida and became a certified art teacher.  I taught high school art for a few years before I had another child.

 

In the Summer of 2007, I moved to South Austin.  I opened The Art Garage in the Summer of 2008.

 

Combining my passion for both art and education, I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity to invite all with a creative interest to develop their art talents, express themselves, and to have fun while creating their own art--

here at the art garage.