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Education

Bachelor of Arts, Northeastern Illinois University – Chicago, IL (2015)
Concentration in Studio Art, Magna Cum Laude

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Professional Experience​

Teaching Artist
Art Encounter, Evanston, IL | 2014–Present

• Provide accessible art instruction to seniors and adults with disabilities.

Art Instructor
Brookdale Des Plaines & Brookdale Northbrook | 2014–Present

• Lead creative sessions for senior residents focused on drawing, painting, and collage.

Artist/Owner
Smart Art Studios, Evanston, IL | 2004–Present

• Collaborate with clients and designers on custom painting projects.

• Create original artwork for private collections and commissions.

• Host and teach “sip and paint” parties both privately and in public venues.

• 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

• Taught social painting events; developed original class content and artwork.

Artist
Point of Origin, Glenview, IL | 2003–2010

• Specialized in decorative painting and visual merchandising; contributed to product sourcing and store styling.

Lead Painter
Cover Girls, Inc., Park Ridge, IL | 2000–2003

• Oversaw large-scale faux-finishing projects, including 150,000+ sq. ft. at X-Sport Fitness facilities.

Commissioned Artist
JRW Design, Chicago, IL | 1996–2000

• Worked on commercial and residential art installations at sites including Chicago Place, Fort Sheridan, and Kinzie Street Station.

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​​Selected Exhibitions & Curatorial Work

2025

• Collective Narratives, Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, IL

• Metamorphosis, Dittmar Gallery, Evanston, IL

• Studio Show, Abstract Painting Studio with Janet Trierweiler, EAC, Evanston, IL

2024

• Related (Two-Person Show), ARC Gallery, Chicago, IL

• Evanston Made Group Show, EAC, Evanston, IL

• Curator, Art Encounter Exhibit, Center for Independent Futures, Evanston, IL

2023

• Construction/Deconstruction, ARC Gallery, Chicago, IL

• Curator, Emerging Visions, Center for Independent Futures, Evanston, IL

2022

• Curator, Art Encounter Exhibit, Space 900 Gallery, Evanston, IL

• One Inspired Evening (Auction), Chicago, IL

2021

• Center for Independent Futures Exhibit, Space 900 Gallery, Evanston, IL

• Justice and Liberty for All, Stolla Contemporary Art Gallery, Chicago, IL

2020

• One Inspired Evening (Auction), Chicago, IL

• Hope Art Auction, Lombard, IL

• Nurturing Creativity, Space 900 Gallery, Evanston, IL

2019

• One Inspired Evening (Auction), Chicago, IL

• Sacred Spaces, The Art Center, Highland Park, IL

2018–2011

• Regular exhibitor at ARC Gallery, Morpho Gallery, and The Art Center Highland Park

• Featured in multiple One Inspired Evening auctions, Chicago, IL

• Participated in Chicago-area mural projects and group exhibitions

• Curated and contributed to shows highlighting emerging artists, encaustic art, women’s issues and social justice themes.