Growing up in Hawaii influenced my life in all ways. Living in such a beautiful place with a diversity of people, amazing landscapes, and beautiful ocean beaches helped me grow up with island happiness, and an appreciation of the lush colors in art. Becoming an artist and art teacher was challenging and rewarding.  I attended the Univ. of Colorado for two years and received a B.A. in Art after transferring to Brigham Young University.  I received a teaching degree from Cornell University, and an M.Ed Degree from the University of Hartford. I taught art at all levels from Pre-K to 12th grade in Wethersfield and West Hartford, Connecticut.  I was selected twice for Connecticut Art Teacher of the Year for Elementary Education and Middle School Education by the Connecticut Art Education Association. One highlight of my teaching career was receiving a Fulbright to travel to Japan and visit schools of all levels and travel with teachers around the country for three weeks. I was the art supervisor for Renbrook Summer School for 30 years.  My husband, also a teacher (Latin), and I took High School students on education trips to Italy and Spain for Spring Break for many years.  I have three grown children and a dog, Jake.  I frequently exhibit my art and had three shows in 2019, in Old Lyme, West Hartford, and Hartford, Connecticut. I love the odd challenge and I painted 3 cows for Cow Parade and a horse in Granby, 3 dogs and a base violin all to be auctioned for charities.  Last August I painted a bus shelter in West Hartford.   I have recently moved to Utah (because I love to ski) and I want to paint the incredible landscapes.