Teacher

   My mission as a Visual Arts Specialist
is to provide a respectful environment that honors each student's learning styles, creativity, talent and opinions.

     I will provide each art student with artistic skills and knowledge, along with collaborative opportunities inside and outside the classroom.
 
     Each art student will receive ongoing verbal and written feedback on their artistic process in order to make informed decisions on the development of their projects. 

     Students will be provided with quality art instruction in order for them to meet the State of Tennessee Visual Arts Standards 9-12 and to have
 an enjoyable art experience.
 
   I was born in 1952 and raised in a northern Indiana farming town. I received my fine arts education from the Indiana University and Purdue University, Herron School of Art in Indianapolis. My elementary education in art came from the University of Connecticut, Hartford School of Art.  Then finally in the year 2000 I went back to college and received my art education degree and teacher licensure from the East Tennessee State University. My formal art training is in drawing and printmaking.
    
   During college in the 70's, I became interested in the simple back to earth, natural ways of life. I have spent most of my life in the pursuit of my artistic views of country herbal life.  In the late 70's I opened New Leaf 'natural foods' Deli in Metamora, Indiana. For 3 years I made good healthy soups and sandwiches for the tourists and my friends. During this time I started compiling recipes and ideas on herbal, natural foods cooking.
 
   When we moved to the cabin we didn't have electricity, running water, or a telephone and since editors don't write letters to request artwork, I had to come up with a different way to get my published. So, I started writing articles to go along with the illustrations. This was very exciting and opened up an entire new world of writing for me. I combined my three passions of  *fine arts illustration  *country herbal living  *sharing my knowledge.
 
   While in the cabin I started developing my Art Basics
 Course. A comprehensive study course for children of all ages......from the beginner and intermediate to those who wish to rediscover the basics of art.  Perfect for home school. All the lessons and projects are kid tested in grades kindergarten - 6th grade.

   I now enjoy teaching young art students at
Grainger County High School.

   To view more of my art work, Art Basics Course and my books check out my web site: http://www.ImagineArtStudio.biz