About
I love seeing people tap into their own creativity. I help people find their creative voice, for mindfulness, to begin a new creative hobby or to further their artistic skills. I mostly work at my teaching studio with my business partner and fellow teaching artist Cheryl Tuttle. We both teach clay, painting, jewelry making and fiber arts. Our new studio has begun to create a small nurturing community of creative individuals of all ages.
I am also available for one on one creative coaching and can help other artist to reach their artistis goals. Send me a message and we can work out a plan for you. I can help you with things like entering your first juried show, finding a gallery or putting together a portfolio.
I love interacting with people of all ages and seeing their artistic growth. Watching them follow their own vision and tap into their innate creativity.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Daniel B.
Deborah S.
Jacqueline R.
Cheryl T.
N. C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I ask what they are hoping to get out of lessons and what they want to learn to draw and paint. I use traditional drawing and painting methods to work with their preferred subject matter.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have studied art at the university level and taken countless workshops and hours of continuing education hours beyond that. I am a certified Grumbacher Acrylic painting instructor.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$30 for private lessons and I recommend 1 1/2 hours
I am also teaching some live classes at this point.
I have a new studio in Durham, CT where I am teaching live both group and private classes in painting, drawing and clay.
I am fully vaccinated for covid.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching children at my non-profit art center and later became a teaching artist serving two local after school programs in the Middletown, Ct area. After a few years I began teaching adult workshops and children's classes at a large non-profit art center and adults at my co-operative. My teaching grew and I found I loved my students and interacting with them and seeing their joy at learning to create. I am on the faculty at The Guilford Art Center in Guilford, Ct, where I currently teach via Zoom, I have been a member and faculty at Wesleyan Potters, I have been teaching artist at the New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain Ct and the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford, Ct.
What types of students have you worked with?
I like to say I've worked with students from age 3 to 93. I work primarily with adults but also teach children. My new facility has children's classes planned for this summer.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Right before Covid I went to a very nice arts event at the NewBritain museum with my friends from the CT Women Artists in celebration of the year of Women in the Arts. We were happy and joyful at the thought of all the shows and events that would focus on women artists and art. Only a week or two later Covid hit us and ended everyone's plans for a normal year.
Now that things are lifted a bit and we are getting back to life a bit I am back to teaching live to limited groups and privately. If you are in the Central Connecticut area please consider our new studio.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone who works in the medium(s) that you want to learn. Learn skills from your teacher but always be yourself and know your own unique style will emerge. Embrace it and allow it to grow and develop into your own unique way of expression.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What they would like to accomplish with their art, painting for enjoyment, travel log, small shows. It can be for just the pure joy of painting and personal expression! There is no wrong reason.