I am a busy gal, working as a fine artist, illustrator, graphic/web designer and marketer… oh yeah, and mommy, wife, friend, daughter, drummer, and athlete… phew!

I have been an artist my entire life and have been inspired by all of my family, especially my late grandmother, oil painter and former Associated Press courtroom artist, Rosalie Ritz. I went to the University of California, Santa Cruz, to surf… I mean to study, and got my Bachelor’s of Arts in Environmental Studies with an emphasis on science interpretation through art. During my time there, my drawings and watercolors were featured in magazines, catalog covers, greeting cards, event posters, t-shirts, park proposals, guided nature tours, and brochures.

After college, I moved to Truckee to rock climb with my soon-to-be husband. I taught myself acrylic techniques, volunteered for an art council, and started integrating science illustration into large paintings. This resulted in two large bodies of artwork called Discovery and Awareness that were featured in numerous shows and open studio tours in the area. In mid 2007, I started a weekly art critique group with two other Truckee artists, Carole Sesko and Eve Werner. Having their regular input pushed my art to new horizons, turning detailed, surreal, floral landscapes into textured, twisted cityscapes and gritty designs.

Since then, my art has continued to change. I attribute this, primarily, to having a baby and being involved in contemporary media design. Becoming a mom made me realize what really matters and identify my feelings. Being a graphic/web designer and illustrator has me constantly looking for new colors, trends, patterns and thinking about the way people see. Combining these two influences has me creating work from my heart and integrating components of my life around me.

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Education:

• B.A. Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz

Select Exhibits:

• 2010: “Truckee Through My Eyes” originals at Elijah Bleu’s Coffeehouse in Truckee, CA.
• 2009-10: “Woman in Raw” series and open edition prints at Dragonfly Cuisine, Truckee, CA.
• 2008: Visiting artist on display at Ethos Gallery in the Village at Northstar, Truckee, CA
• 2008: Riverside Studios- exhibited throughout the year
• 2008: Modern Regional Art group show at Carole Sesko Contemporary Art in Truckee, CA
• 2007: “Collaboration,” by Party of 3 group show, Catherine Bouwer Fine Art Galler, Reno, NV
• 2007: Solo show at The Lodge in Tahoe Donner in Truckee, CA
• 2007: Truckee-Tahoe Modern Regional Art exhibit at Carole Sesko Contemporary Art, Truckee, CA
• 2007: ARTour Open Studios juried event in the Lake Tahoe Region (juried)
• 2007: Solo show at Alexander’s Main Street Gallery in Pleasanton, CA.
• 2006: “Collaboration,” by Party of 3 group show, Carole Sesko Contemporary Art, Truckee, CA
• 2006: “Abstract and Surrealism” group show at Alexandratos Gallery, Reno, NV
• 2006: Squaw Valley Art, Wine, and Music Festival, Olympic Valley, CA
• 2006: “Reno is Artown” exhibit at Dreamer’s Coffeehouse, Reno, NV
• 2006: Solo show at Cottowood Restaurant in Truckee, CA
• 2006: “Spiritual Exhibition” Group show at North Tahoe Arts, Tahoe City, CA
• 2006: Solo show at Dragonfly Cuisine in Truckee, CA
• 2006: ARTour Open Studios juried event in the Lake Tahoe Region
• 2006: Solo show at the Corison Gallery at the North Tahoe Arts, Tahoe City, CA
• 2005: “Members’ Invitational Group Exhibit” (juried) at North Tahoe Arts, Tahoe City, CA
• 2005: “Autumn’s Bounty” (juried) group show at North Tahoe Arts, Tahoe City, CA
• 2005: ARTour Open Studios juried event in the Lake Tahoe Region (juried)
• 2002: “UCSC Graduate Students’ Exhibit” (juried) at the Santa Cruz Natural History Museum, CA
• 2001: “Plants, Pests & Pollinators” (juried) group exhibit at San Francisco’s Stribing Arboretum, CA
• 1998: “Surf’s Up” (juried) group exhibit at Pajaro Velly Art Museum, Watsonville, CA