Growing up, my mom always had art supplies available for me and my sister to play around and explore with. I feel so grateful that creativity was always encouraged in my family! My introduction to oil painting wasn't until later in high school when I was given the opportunity to attend a summer workshop series with three different regional artists.

 

In college, I studied studio art with a focus in painting in addition to geographic science! I loved how the combination of my majors enabled me to have a balanced blend of art and science.

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For the last several years, my focus has been on the forest. There's just something about it! I love being in the woods and the presence that trees have. To me, I feel comforted by them, like they're giving me a big hug by simply being there. Maybe it's a biological thing? They create shelter and enable an incredible variety of life forms to exist. Aside from all that, I love the form of the forest, and how I can so freely abstract the shapes, colors, and lines to create something new and different, yet still recognizable. 

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Education
           
                B.S. Studio Art, Painting, James Madison University      
                B.S. Geographic Science, James Madison University

Exhibitions 

2019         Group Larkin Family Show, Larkin Arts, Harrisonburg, VA

2018         Regional Juried Art Show, Larkin Arts, Harrisonburg, VA
2016         Solo exhibition, Tin Top Art and Handmande, Winchester, VA
2016         Solo exhibition, Larkin Arts, Harrisonburg, VA
2016         "Walking" Solo Exhibition, Lamplight Gallery, Thomas, WV
2015         Regional Juried Art Show, Larkin Arts, Harrisonburg, VA
2014         Regional Juried Art Show, Larkin Arts, Harrisonburg, VA
2014         Regional Juried Art Show, The Artful Dodger, Harrisonburg, VA
2013         6 x 6 Juried Art show, Larkin Arts, Harrisonburg, VA
2012         Solo exhibition, Larkin Arts, Harrisonburg, VA
2011         artWorks Gallery Exhibition, Harrisonburg, VA
2011         JMU Undergraduate Art Exhibition, Harrisonburg, VA
2010         JMU Undergraduate Art Exhibition, Harrisonburg, VA
2010         Fiber Arts Show at Smith House, Harrisonburg, VA
2009         Foundations Level Gallery Show, artWorks Gallery, Harrisonburg, VA


Awards and Honors

2015         2nd place,  Annual Juried Art Show, Larkin Arts
2013         3rd place, 6 x 6 Juried Art show, Larkin Arts
2011         Senior Art Achievement Award, James Madison University
2011         Juror Award: JMU Undergraduate Art Exhibition