I was born and raised in Toledo, OH, USA. I received my art training first in distance education, secondly I hold an Honors Associate Degree from West Valley College, Saratoga, CA, a bachelor's from University of California Santa Cruz and an MFA from University of Colorado at Boulder. I have taught art from kindergarten through college level and hold a professional teaching license. I currently work as an independent artist scholar and am the owner founder of Fresco Society, a fine arts & craft trade specializing in fresco painting.