Artist Statement

My work is busy and representational, sometimes it's social realistic and other times it's a landscape. Whatever it maybe my art depicts my life’s happenings. Depending on where my head rest and the season of the year, creating is as different as in the landscape surrounding. During the summers the vast natural landscapes of Maine provides opportunities to paint in plein air. As the cold air moves into the northeast, bags are packed, and shop is set up in Youngstown, Ohio for a good portion of the year. Painting and Printmaking have been the primary ways of making work in Youngstown. Growing up in postindustrial Midwest in the ruins of former steel mills, finding color in the natural landscape is bleak. The color in the culture and people in this part of the country is much more colorful then the rust that it is known for. Having a good story, a smile when I wake up, and the love for artistic expression seems to be a good path. 

Smile it's Life

Experience

Rauschenbach Studio's

Painter, Print Maker, Ceramic's and Sculptor (BFA Spatial Art's YSU Class 2012)

The Soap Gallery- Owner/Curator 

The Soap Gallery is a community art gallery featuring regional Northeaster Ohio and National Artists in Youngstown, Ohio. Monthly Exhibits, Community Events, Art Handling, and public art happenings. 

• Curated and Exhibited 20 monthly exhibits, monthly events, and classes associated with each exhibit
• Built community awareness about the visual arts in the heart of the Rustbelt
• Worked with artists in curating group and solo shows

SMARTS Art Teacher K-8 (Southside Academy, Youngstown, OH)

SMARTS community art school provides access and early training in the arts for our region's K-12 youth with a focus on underserved populations. Teaching and creating art lesson plan for students at a private school in Youngstown, Ohio.

Tripp Lake Camp (Residential Girls Camp), Poland Maine

June 2007-Present

Nature Arts and Crafts Instructor, Trip Leader:

Creating lessons that involve natural materials to produce projects for children ranging in age from 8-16.   Traveling with children to various locations around Maine for day and overnight trips.

Youngstown State Men’s Basketball Team (Division 1)           Spring 2008-Spring 2011

Assisted the director of Operations and Assistant Manager to Coaching Staff:

Assisted in home and away game operations and participated in practices                                                                Participated in 2010 Youngstown State Summer Youth Basketball Camp

Youngstown State University Spatial Arts Lab Assistant            June 2008-June 2011

Sculpture and Ceramic Assistant in Youngstown State University’s

CPR and First Aid Certified

State of Maine Trip Leader Certified June 2009- Present

Honors

The Mahoning Valley Young Professionals 25 under 35 2017

Education

Youngstown State University (Youngstown, Ohio)                       Aug. 2006- Spring 2012

Bachelors of Fine Arts (Spatial Arts)                           GPA: Major 3.7 Overall 3.2   

            Student Arts Association Officer

            Student Advisor for Dean of Fine and Performing Arts

Currently working on a Masters of American Studies

Struthers High School                                                               June 2006

Scholastic Art Awards: 2002-2006 Awards Ranging

Skills

Artistic and Creative

Very social and friendly individual

Able to think outside of the box to meet the demand of client or employer

Have received training in team building skills, and enjoy working with others

Willing to participate in community, public, and government work

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