An artist since she was a child, Ms. Turk was instructed at an early age by her father and later by many notable professionals including Alan Flattman, John Seerey-Lester, William Herring, Albert Handell, Richard McKinley, Doug Dawson and others.

Influenced by her father who painted for pleasure, and encouraged by both parents to follow her dreams, Ms. Turk combined a career in science with continuing art production. She concentrated her studies in livestock production graduating from Ohio State and Cornell Universities, and served in the U.S. Peace Corps-Philippine Islands. Following Peace Corps service, she backpacked alone for one year overland through Southeast Asia. Her sense of adventure has led her in a myriad of directions, but her intense interest in international livestock development guided her steadily in a career with the U.S. Agency for International Development. She carries her art supplies wherever she travels to document the world around her.

Ms. Turk describes her artistry as “a gradual transition from black to white.” She has broadened from painting primarily animals to landscapes rich in design and color, and compares exploring the world of art to exploring her own wonder-filled world that encompasses the jungles of Borneo to African savannahs, the altiplano of South America to the majestic Himalayas. Following the paths of early explorers while creating one of her own continues to lead her toward new horizons.

She has exhibited in numerous solo shows, group exhibitions, juried shows and competitions, and twice has placed in the top 100 of over 3,000 entries in international competitions. Her medium of forte is pastels which she employs with great sensitivity on a variety of supports, each lending a unique look and feel to her subjects. Her paintings can be found in collections in Africa, Canada, Europe, and the United States.