I am Artist's Touch

      I grew up in Akron, a small town in northern Indiana. I have been designing and making things for as long as I can remember. My childhood consisted of enthusiastic participation in Girl Scouts, spending time in the local lakes,  dance and acrobat lessons and riding my bike around the tiny town. I am fortunate that I grew up with the influence of both my maternal and paternal grandparents.

I majored in Art Education at Manchester College (now Manchester University) and began my teaching career in 1982.

 Though a teacher by trade, I have never stopped making things for both pleasure and necessity.  My vast collection of creative endeavors have presented themselves in a variety of ways. As a young adult I saved money by creating everything that I could, these creations furnished my home and provided gifts for friends and family.  

Once my own children were in high school, I had a steady business of painting faux finishes interiors. As the faux finish craze diminished, I decided to join the next fad that included "Coffee and Canvas", "Cookies and Canvas" and so on. I went on to teach several group painting classes for adults and children. 

The body of work for sale reflects my love of bicycling. It was created with the process know as Batik. I learned the process in college, but finally got back to it in my 50"s!. I often embellish the work with hand embroidery or quilting, a skill my paternal grandma taught me when I a child.

It satisfies something within me! I was DYI before it was a buzz word!