The Early Years

I grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston, with a big brother, a little sister and a twin sister. It was the perfect locale for kids, with marshes to explore during the week and Boston theatres and stores on the weekends.

I always wanted to be an artist. Art was appreciated and encouraged in our home (except when I spilled India Ink on the couch). We spent hours drawing step-by-step with Captain Bob on the television. Mom and Dad came through with the latest and greatest art supplies for our birthdays and Christmas. Grandpa Pop turned his basement walls into an art gallery.

High school years were spent at Fontbonne Academy experimenting with more art and entering work into the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards Contest. Winning gold keys and blue ribbons sealed the deal for me. I was on my way to art school.

College Days

My undergraduate years were spent at Emmanuel College in Boston as an art major. We were surrounded by major universities and were within walking distance of Fenway Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, Mass College of Art and some of the best hospitals in the world.

As a junior I volunteered at Children's Hospital. I would involve the patients with arts and crafts, games or sometimes draw their portraits. One day, I offered to paint a mural in the emergency ward. Word spread and some grant money allowed me to paint almost twenty murals throughout the hospital.

Professional & Personal Life

Within a year after graduating, I realized there weren't many jobs for fine artists. I decided to learn more about murals and paint application by becoming an apprentice sign painter. After three years of working for numerous sign companies lettering on billboards, windows, trucks, etc., I became the first female to become a licensed union sign painter.

I got married in 1981 and started my own business providing design, lettering and illustration services to real estate developers, ad agencies, design firms. architects, retailers and film and television productions. In 1989 I was honored with an Emmy Award for my contributions as graphic designer for the special, I'll be Home for Christmas. While creating prop book covers and movie poster comps, my dream of illustrating was reignited. Hooray for Hollywood!

As exciting as my detours had been, it was time to make a change and make real books instead of fake ones. I went to the Art Institute of Boston to take illustration courses and create my new portfolio.

I also created two cute boys, Jamie and Mattie. They are my inspiration. When times are tough or work is slow I ask myself "How can I tell my kids that they can be anything they want, if I don't live it myself?"

Now

These days I am raising two great kids, illustrating and teaching art.

Future

I hope to be raising two great kids, illustrating and teaching art.