I could not agree more with Georgia O’Keeffe when she said, “If I could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.”
For me, painting is the best way to express my environment, thoughts and feelings. I discovered this during my art studies in college, and my life was forever changed. This has remained the main motivation for my work. My current collections are focused on the Midwestern landscape and stories from my youth. I grew up on an acreage and spent lots of time as a child on my cousins’ farms. These experiences instilled in me a deep connection to the land: creeks, open fields, climbing trees and hay bales were the playground of my youth. It also created a deep love for this beautiful countryside. After living in a big city for many years my husband and I moved back to Nebraska to raise our three children. I painted pure abstract paintings for several years, but slowly was drawn to landscape paintings. I now choose to pay homage to my childhood and love of this beautiful land, an area where some choose to fly over, but where I choose to live. And through my artist lens and paint brush I am able to share with you.
Exhibitions:
June 2023 - Pierce Street Fine Art Pop-up, Group Show // Omaha, NE
May 2023 - Saro Cider, Solo Showcase // Omaha, NE
April 2023 - Split Gallery, Group Show, “BOLD” // Omaha, NE
March 2023 - Ming Toy Gallery, Solo Showcase, “Rural Routes: Paths, Roads & Highways Traveled,” // Omaha, NE
February 2023 - First Friday, Saro Cider // Lincoln, NE
May 2022 - Radial Arts Center, “Post-it Note Show” // Omaha, NE
Summer 2021 - Public Art Installation, “Sunny & Chair” // Omaha, NE
May 2021 - Radial Arts Center, “1st Annual Art Expo & Benefit” // Omaha, NE
June 2019 - Benson First Friday, Solo Showcase // Omaha, NE
May 2015 - Public Art Installation, "Spreading Our Roots: A Community Art Celebration Featuring the Trees of Midtown" // Omaha, NE
April 2015 - After school Arts Program teacher, Omaha Creative Institute
Fall 2014 - Artist INC Live Omaha fellow
June 2014 - Julia Russell Designs, Solo Showcase // Omaha, NE
February 2014 - Smiling Turtle Art Spot, group show "Small Image" // Omaha, NE
February 2014 - Drips Gallery, group show "Lovesong" // Council Bluffs, IA
February 2014 - RAW artist "Awakening" // Omaha, NE
January 2014 - First Unitarian Church Gallery, Solo showcase, // Omaha, NE
Education:
1992 - University of Kansas, BFA Art History
2000 - San Francisco State University, Multi-subject Elementary Teaching Credential
2001 - San Francisco State University, MA Multicultural Education
