About

I work with elementary kids to help them discover that they can think creatively and make cool stuff while learning how to navigate the world around them. Mostly, they teach me that the world isn’t as complicated as grown ups like to make it, and that things like a really well-designed Minecraft house are totally worthy of anyone’s full appreciation. I believe kids learn best when they get to play and make mistakes and discover things on their own.

I know that I learn best that way, too, and my own art is all about experimentation. I like to paint murals and really huge paintings. I love working big because I enjoy the impact of huge artworks on a space. Though I make small things, too, I love the feeling of being surrounded by color, and the movement of filling large spaces as I paint. It’s almost like dancing.

I love working with kids because they haven’t lost their natural curiosity and playfulness. At a certain age, we tend to forget to do that and focus all our attention on finding the “right answers.” Though I think we find those better when we experiment and play (and sometimes mess up), somehow school tends to make kids think that they get answers from a teacher. What’s up with that?  I think we can do better, as educators, so I advocate for students to have control of their own learning experiences and the products of their learning — in the art room and beyond.

I have kids at home, too, although they’re mostly older than my students. They have to eat all the weird things I cook for dinner and help with all the big, messy projects I take on. They’re amazing people and I’m lucky to be their mom. My husband, Isaac, is actually the newest member of my happy, noisy family. He is my partner in a lot of creative endeavors, as well as in marriage. We have lots of great adventures together, but we’re just getting started, so I have a lot to look forward to.