I received my M.F.A. from Michigan State University and my B.F.A. from the University of Nebraska. Although I majored in painting and printmaking and worked with traditional materials after graduate school, my travels to Egypt and Jordan in 1992 changed both my life and my style of making art. Inspired by the color, light, and texture in the Middle East I collected papers and detritus, and when I got home they quickly found their way into my paintings. I have explored mixed media and collage techniques ever since.

Two years ago I retired from the faculty of Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington where I have introduced over 4,000 students to the history of art and studio art. During my tenure at the college I chaired the art department, created Connecting Waters, a biennial regional art exhibition, and developed courses integrating art with drama, English and the sciences.

Since my retirement I have focused most of my energy on my studio work, but I also find time to travel and tap dance.