How it all started:

My passion for creativity & art initially started with my Mom. She was always sharing something artsy with us as children growing up. My passion was nurtured by many teachers, professors, artists & children over the years.  I have been teaching art to all ages for over 20+ years. After earning an Associate of Arts degree, I decided to share my passion by teaching. I graduated from Shepherd University with a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education K-12 with a concentration in painting. I starting my career in Frederick County Public Schools as an art teacher in 2002 & continued my FCPS Masters Equivalency at Hood College in the Ceramic Arts Program. 

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The creation of A&S Studio:

While I LOVED teaching art in school, I took a big leap and opened Urbana Art & Soul Studio in 2008. I wanted a place for children to be able to take risks & focus on learning  growing without the constraints of earing a grade or meeting a criteria or standard. A place to connect, belong, learn and grow with others that share the same passion. The studio started out so small! It was shaped & created with the love & support of my Urbana community. The studio has grown & evolved with my life throughout the years. It's always the perfect fit! I was able to stay home with my kiddos when they were little & build a schedule around them. 

 

Working with others:

While I LOVE teaching in my adorable & whimsical studio space, I also love traveling to other's classrooms, schools & programs to share my passion for art making & creativity. I feel blessed to be able to share my passion for creating with all ages from the tiniest littles to adults. No two days are the same- Every day is a new artsy adventure full of fun!  I love collaborating with other artists, businesses & groups. For me-that's what it's about! Connecting through creativity! Over the years, I have had some pretty amazing artists (& now friends) join me in the studio to teach & collaborate. I am thankful for them & what they bring to the studio. I also have the best teens that help as studio assistants. Most of them started as littles in the studio & some grew to become artist instructors themselves.

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Me as an artist:

In addition to teaching, I create commissioned artwork for clients & design teams in my "free" time. I'll create anything from a crafty project to a full wall mural. I enjoy all forms of art from painting & collage to printing & ceramics (& all things in-between). My favorite?......it changes with my mood! 

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My family: 

The only thing I LOVE more than making art, is my beautiful family! I have 3 adorable kiddos that keep me busy: Cortland, Annabelle & Naomi. I talk about them a lot! You will definitely catch them in the studio too-usually making a mess, taking a workshop, helping out, or waiting for a car-pool ride.  I can't forget my husband Drew. I am lucky to have a supportive husband (the studio handyman & heavy lifter) by my side. He keeps things going at home when I'm in the studio & he doesn't complain when I have art projects all over the house.

 

So now you know a little bit more about ME! If you stop in the studio, you'll most likely find me running around, chatting my head off, stocking supplies, rearranging shelves, painting something random I shouldn't be, or teaching a group! I'm always covered in paint or glitter & usually have an Iced Dunkin Coffee in hand to keep up with the crazy!