biography

As a self-taught artist for over 30 years, I have always relied on my deepest intuitions to lead me on my artistic journey. The building, constructing and reassembling a variety of materials has always been a fascination for me. My art has been about taking or breaking things apart and putting them back together in new ways. After working as a fiber artist for 15 years experimenting with a variety of quilting techniques, I traded in my sewing machine for a pair of tile nippers and have been creating mosaic art since 1995. Tiles, plates, stone, glass and found objects are the building blocks of my pieces both 2 and 3 dimensional. I create fine art mosaics for the home, commercial and community setting including fine art pieces, murals, mirrors, floors, furniture, installations, musical instruments and garden pieces.

Since 2002, I have been teaching and facilitating mosaic art projects, classes and workshops with adults, children and non-profit groups and have developed a Mosaic Art Residency Program for Chicago Metro schools, public libraries and park districts. This lively, experiential program teaches children about the history, materials, tools and unique qualities of mosaic as a modern art form though the creation of large, permanent mosaic murals and individual projects. The program enhances the Illinois Standards in Fine Arts for children of all skills levels including those with special needs.

I continue to strive to find new ways to bring the joy of creation to my community.

Community Art Projects (See School Projects)

2009 Elm Elementary School Mosaic Project - In Process

2009 Henking Elementary School, "Live, Love, Learn" 40" x 14.5', mural, Glenview, IL

2008 Edgebrook Elementary School, "The Golden Rule," 40" x 14/5 ' mural, Chicago, IL

2008 Monroe Elementary School, "Friends" 6' x 12' mural, Hinsdale, IL

2008 Copeland Manor Elementary School, 40" x 14' mural, Libertyville, IL

2007 McAuliffe Elementary School, "Eat Healthy", 75 sq. ft mural, Chicago, IL

2007 Carpenter Elementary School, 40" x 16' mural, Park Ridge, IL

2006 Park View Elementary School, "Park View at Play" , 40" x 25' mural, Morton Grove, IL

2006 McAuliffe Elementary School , "Reach for the Stars", 65 sq. ft. mural, Chicago, IL

2004-05 Beaubien Elementary School Centennial Mosaic Project, Chicago, IL

7, 3' x 12' Murals depicting educational themes

2000-01 Northside College Prep High School, Historial Chicago & It's River, Chicago, IL

Awards

2007 Long Grove Art Festival - First Place 3D

2005 Long Grove Art Festival – Honorable Mention

2004 Frankfort Festival of Crafts – Second Place/Fine Art

2004 Deerfield Festival of Fine Art – Honorable Mention

1997 Old Orchard Fine Art Fair – Honorable Mention

1996 Excellence in Teaching “Art Smart” Program–Ebinger Elementary School, Chicago, IL

Exhibitions

2009 "Let Them Eat Chocolate" Chicago, IL Selected works through 6/30/09

2008 Elk Grove Art Centre Exhibition, Elk Grove Village, IL, October, 2008

2008 "Let Them Eat Chocolate" Chicago, IL lecte Selected contemporary works, runs February - June 2008

2007 "Beyond the Surface: Contemporary Mosaics" St Xavier University, Chicago, IL

2005 Chicago Mosaic School, Faculty Exhibition, Chicago, IL

Education/Affiliations

Mosaic Artists Organization - www.Mosaicartist.org

Chicago Artist’s Coalition - www.CAConline.com

Member of SAMA – Society of American Mosaic Artists 04-07

Media

Mosaic Art Yearbook 2008

"Santorini, Greece" and "Caterpillar Table" featured pieces

"Eternal Dance" featured on the cover of "Footlights" magazine (Theater Arts), Spring 2008

"Eternal Dance" featured on the cover of St. Xavier University Magazine, Fall 2008

Mosaic Art 2006 Yearbook, E-Book on CD Rom

"Game Table" and "The Seasons" featured pieces

Daily Herald, April, 2006

"Violins As Works of Art"

Groutline Magazine, Winter 2006

(Society of American Mosaic Artists quarterly)

"Beaubien Students Share the Joy of Mosaics"

NBC News, September, 2005

Beaubien Centennial Mosaic Project, interview with artist

Marianne Ahern, reporter

Chicago Tribune, Home and Garden Section, July, 2005

“Call Her the Cover Girl of Modern Mosaic” (click to read)

Mosaic Art 2005 Yearbook, E-Book on CD- ROM

"Sunflowers" and "Star of Wonder" featured pieces