on the artist

My formal art education began in the 1980s with Quida Canaday (Atelier), and continues today through study programs and workshops.

My work was accepted into many juried competitions and honored with many awards.  I became an active member of the Atlanta Arts Club, taught art through the City of Roswell’s Department of Parks and Recreation, and served as judge for many city-sponsored art festivals. Past affiliations include The Lowe Gallery, Carlton Cobb and Ariel Galleries.

Proactive in Atlanta arts for 20 years, my focus gradually shifted to my community, Roswell.  Working to develop an art community embracing many points of view, the concept of an artist-owned contemporary co-op gallery took seed in 1990. I spent eight years as co-founder and co-director of Heaven Blue Rose Contemporary Gallery.

In 1999 I built SLM Studio/Gallery in Plumtree Village, a complex of galleries, shops and a coffee house developed by my husband. My studio’s inaugural opening was hosted in partnership with the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, exhibiting the first annual North Fulton Regional Juried Art Exhibit, founded by Wendy James and myself.

In 2006, working in multi-media disciplines, I implemented and introduced the concept of “Spare Space,” an alternative venue of performance installations .  The inaugural show, “Manufactured=Love,” by Allison Rentz was hosted in the SLM Studio courtyard.

A second gallery, SLM Projects, was conceived under the directorship of Wendy James, bridging the cultural gap of city and suburb with cultural diversity and progressive art. The inaugural exhibit of renowned painter Philip Morsberger introduced SLM Projects to the community.

I was juried into the 2003-04 Roswell Art Happening, “UpRoar” and “Undercover,” by the Historic and Cultural Affairs Division and the Roswell Cultural Arts Board.  I was nominated in 2006 and 2007 for the Distinguished Visual Artist Award category.

In 2008, I was co-recipient winner of “the CABY,” the first Roswell Cultural Arts Board Choice Award.

In 2008 I had the privilege of being on the cover of the January-February issue of North Fulton Living magazine,  and was interviewed at SLM Studio for the “Spotlight on Artists” article.

In 2016 I was honored to be selected for the “Artist Profile” in the July issue of North Fulton Family Life magazine. My work was included in the DFAA Spruill Gallery “Sights & Insights” show juried by Alan Avery.

In 2017, I was invited to judge the first annual exhibit competition at Charis Gallery, Roswell, entitled “Hands.” Entrants came from all over the US and in England.

2018 included two exhibits: the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, “Metro Montage XVIII,” and City Gallery at Chastain, DFAA “Sights and Insights,” Atlanta, GA.

I continue to participate and support our arts organizations, projects, events and art walks, while striving to forge new and diverse cultures and ideas. I believe this constitutes a fresh approach to our vital cultural arts community – a welcome growth.