About Me
I was born and raised in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the small town of Grass Valley, California. I grew up in a house that encouraged and delighted in scientific exploration. In addition, I developed a strong affinity for the arts and was always working on new creative projects. Inspired by natural beauty and the love of being outdoors led me to Santa Cruz, California for college.
The dilemma of deciding whether to pursue a degree in the arts or in the sciences had me conflicted until I discovered the Natural Science Illustration program. When I came upon a show of the work from students of the UCSC program, I knew then what I wanted to do, not to choose between my love for arts and sciences, but to pursue both! With this epiphany, I obtained my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marine Biology from the University of California Santa Cruz in 2005 and then went up the coast to attend the Natural Science Illustration program offered at the University of Washington.
The form and function of the natural environment has always fascinated me. Being able to combine what I learned in my marine biology college career and translating it into art is incredibly satisfying.
I moved back to my hometown to settle down with my husband and two dogs. We recently welcomed a son to our family!
My work can be found year round at the Art Works Gallery Co-op at 113 Mill Street in Downtown Grass Valley.
Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
Certification in Natural Science Illustration. University of Washington Extension. June 2007.
Bachelors of Science degree in Marine Biology. University of California Santa Cruz. June 2005.
A.A. degree in Liberal Arts. Cabrillo College, Aptos, CA. June 2002.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Member of Art Works Gallery Co-op 2010-2021
Banner Mountain Artisans (Past Member)
Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (Past Member)
Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (Past Member)
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
Art Works Gallery Co-Op. 113 Mill Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945. May 2010-2021.
Banner Mountain Artisans. Nevada City Elks Lodge 518 Hwy 49, Nevada City, CA.. 2013 & 2014.
Artist Studio in the Foothills: "Small Works in the Foothills" show. 940 Idaho Maryland Rd. Grass Valley, CA. November 20th 2009- January 9th 2010.
Soroptomist Club: “Art and Garden Tour”. Nevada County, CA. May 16th 2009.
Roseville Arts! blue line gallery, "Art in the Garden" tour. Granite Bay, CA. May 2nd 2009
Burke Natural History Museum: "Translations: Science - Art". Seattle, WA.
July 12th 2007 - October 8th 2007.
Cabrillo College student show on campus. 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA. March 2005.
Certification in Natural Science Illustration. University of Washington Extension. June 2007.
Bachelors of Science degree in Marine Biology. University of California Santa Cruz. June 2005.
A.A. degree in Liberal Arts. Cabrillo College, Aptos, CA. June 2002.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Member of Art Works Gallery Co-op 2010-2021
Banner Mountain Artisans (Past Member)
Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (Past Member)
Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (Past Member)
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
Art Works Gallery Co-Op. 113 Mill Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945. May 2010-2021.
Banner Mountain Artisans. Nevada City Elks Lodge 518 Hwy 49, Nevada City, CA.. 2013 & 2014.
Artist Studio in the Foothills: "Small Works in the Foothills" show. 940 Idaho Maryland Rd. Grass Valley, CA. November 20th 2009- January 9th 2010.
Soroptomist Club: “Art and Garden Tour”. Nevada County, CA. May 16th 2009.
Roseville Arts! blue line gallery, "Art in the Garden" tour. Granite Bay, CA. May 2nd 2009
Burke Natural History Museum: "Translations: Science - Art". Seattle, WA.
July 12th 2007 - October 8th 2007.
Cabrillo College student show on campus. 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA. March 2005.