I’m a creative goof who loves to play and geek out over anything artsy. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: executive director, waste reduction coordinator, marketer, stay-at-home mom, zinester, graphic designer, artist, activist, and radio oddball. Currently, I’m the owner of Art Department, an art supply store in downtown Salem.
At the heart of everything I do is curiosity and the joy of creating. My work spans across different scales, media, values, and subjects, but the one constant is an emphasis on artful play. I thrive on the push and pull of art, the storytelling process, and—always—the surprise that comes with each project. Notable projects I’ve worked on include: Repair Fair & Share, Free Art Friday, Community Swaps, Salem Puppet Parade, Trashion, Community Supported Arts&Culture, and Urban Sketchers Salem.
I also curate art shows in the Concrete Gallery at Art Department, providing a platform for showcasing local talent and fostering creative community engagement.
My journey began at the University of Oregon, where I earned a Fine Arts degree with an emphasis on Visual Design. After graduation, I worked as a marketing coordinator at the University of Oregon before diving into the world of community-based art. In 2009, I began hosting free community craft nights, and by 2010, I opened DIY Studio in my home studio space. What started as a small endeavor eventually grew into a non-profit creative reuse center in Salem, Oregon. Though DIY Studio closed in 2014, it led me to a full-time career promoting waste reduction through media. In October 2020, I had the opportunity to purchase Art Department, where I continue to foster creativity through education, art-making, and service to my community.