Social Change Through Cultural Art.
I believe that visual art is one of the most beautiful tools that can be used by God to change peoples lives and even impact their own world views. I have seen these impacts through art classes, therapeutic art lessons, and even in exhibition settings.
My work is inspired by travel, diversity, and social or cultural topics. As a bit of a social Chameleon, I find and learn about cultures in my own community and in communities around the world. Weather I’m sitting in a coffee shop where I don’t understand the language or drawing henna designs on Muslim women while they break their Ramadan fast, I love absorbing every aspect of diversity that I see. I tend to immerse myself in a culture as I study and learn about religions, beliefs, languages, and traditions. I love sharing what I learn about people groups through teaching and art exhibitions.
I challenge my students to think about various cultures, world views and explore their own unique culture and lifestyle while having fun. My classes are intended to encourage children and adults to think and communicate ideas about the world around us while using a variety of art techniques and principles.
I have taught in art centers and small groups in Washington. I worked and taught art lessons in a residential treatment facility (equivalent of a half way house for teens) and worked with adults and children with disabilities and Acquired Brain Injuries in Wyoming. I have also led art workshops in Brazil and Haiti.
I use my exhibitions to raise awareness about issues that otherwise may be ignored and encourage dialogue surrounding topics that are difficult yet important. Past exhibitions include race issues and the modern day KKK (Make it Plain), exploring diversity in your own community (Travel Your City), as well as modern day human trafficking and sex slavery (The Lily Pad Project and Refugee Stories).