Education
Bachelor of Arts, Northeastern Illinois University – Chicago, IL (2015)
Concentration in Studio Art, Magna Cum Laude
Professional Experience
Teaching Artist
Art Encounter, Evanston, IL | 2014–Present
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Provide accessible art instruction to seniors and adults with disabilities.
Art Instructor
Brookdale Des Plaines & Brookdale Northbrook | 2014–Present
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Lead creative sessions for senior residents focused on drawing, painting, and collage.
Artist/Owner
Smart Art Studios, Evanston, IL | 2004–Present
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Collaborate with clients and designers on custom painting projects.
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Create original artwork for private collections and commissions.
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Host and teach “sip and paint” parties both privately and in public venues.
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Provide art instruction in nursing homes, tailoring sessions to various levels of ability.
Painting Instructor
Pinot’s Palette, Glenview & Bottle and Bottega, Evanston, IL | 2010–2011
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Taught social painting events; developed original class content and artwork.
Artist
Point of Origin, Glenview, IL | 2003–2010
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Specialized in decorative painting and visual merchandising; contributed to product sourcing and store styling.
Lead Painter
Cover Girls, Inc., Park Ridge, IL | 2000–2003
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Oversaw large-scale faux-finishing projects, including 150,000+ sq. ft. at X-Sport Fitness facilities.
Commissioned Artist
JRW Design, Chicago, IL | 1996–2000
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Worked on commercial and residential art installations at sites including Chicago Place, Fort Sheridan, and Kinzie Street Station.
Selected Exhibitions & Curatorial Work
2025
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Collective Narratives, Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, IL
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Metamorphosis, Dittmar Gallery, Evanston, IL
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Studio Show, Abstract Painting Studio with Janet Trierweiler, EAC, Evanston, IL
2024
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Related (Two-Person Show), ARC Gallery, Chicago, IL
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Evanston Made Group Show, EAC, Evanston, IL
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Curator, Art Encounter Exhibit, Center for Independent Futures, Evanston, IL
2023
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Construction/Deconstruction, ARC Gallery, Chicago, IL
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Curator, Emerging Visions, Center for Independent Futures, Evanston, IL
2022
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Curator, Art Encounter Exhibit, Space 900 Gallery, Evanston, IL
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One Inspired Evening (Auction), Chicago, IL
2021
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Center for Independent Futures Exhibit, Space 900 Gallery, Evanston, IL
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Justice and Liberty for All, Stolla Contemporary Art Gallery, Chicago, IL
2020
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One Inspired Evening (Auction), Chicago, IL
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Hope Art Auction, Lombard, IL
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Nurturing Creativity, Space 900 Gallery, Evanston, IL
2019
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One Inspired Evening (Auction), Chicago, IL
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Sacred Spaces, The Art Center, Highland Park, IL
2018–2011
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Regular exhibitor at ARC Gallery, Morpho Gallery, and The Art Center Highland Park
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Featured in multiple One Inspired Evening auctions, Chicago, IL
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Participated in Chicago-area mural projects and group exhibitions
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Curated and contributed to shows highlighting emerging artists, encaustic art, women’s issues and social justice themes.