Meet the board

I was born in Seattle, raised in Wenatchee, then came back to Seattle for college at Seatttle Pacific.  Following my graduation, I started teaching and enjoyed doing that for 30 years.

I enjoy volunteering in the Community and have done so in many areas for many years. 

One of my favorite Allied Arts Events is the wonderful quality of the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra playing here in Renton at RHS's Ikea Performing Arts Center every October. (IPAC).

I was born and raised in Burbank, California. I lived in various places around the San Fernando Valley until I moved to Renton in 1989 with my husband, Steve, and daughter Calandra. I worked as a special education teacher for the L.A. Unified School District for eleven years. After moving to Renton, I taught special ed for a couple of years and then went into substitute teaching. I was also a Reading specialist, which was my favorite job.

I have always been creative. When I was young, I made most of my clothes but I don't sew anymore. Later, I began to take studio art classes at community college in the evening. I learned drawing, watercolor painting, two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, and printmaking, Finally, making fabricated jewelry using an acetylene torch became my passion for years. I even sold some of my work. I got away from my art hobbies for some time and only recently began drawing again. I work in graphite and charcoal and enjoy drawing my favorite musicians and actors. I'm obsessed with birds and films. I like to cook. 

Maybe you can tell from my profile picture that I enjoy having fun. (In that picture I was dressed to play a character in a very informal Shakespeare reading)   For me, helping people energizes me. That’s why I serve on the Advisory Board for the Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center and as secretary of  Allied Arts of Renton.  Doing things with family and friends, like my upcoming pumpkin carving party, is creative and fulfilling.  Singing, writing, playing ping pong, and learning to play pool are definitely rewarding for me.   Dancing with my husband,  especially to rock’n’roll numbers, is great fun.   I hope that all who find us on this page find enjoyment and opportunities.

Art, in its many forms, enriches our lives and lifts our spirits.  Supporting creativity in our community is what our organization is about.  That is why I feel privileged to serve as secretary of this great, active, talented, nonprofit organization, Allied Arts of Renton.  

 I was born in Renton and have lived here all my life. I am currently a student at Bellevue College and am interested in transferring into a packaging science degree program. I am excited to be a part of Allied Arts of Renton and I am looking forward to being more involved in my community. I am very passionate about the arts, as my parents have always encouraged me to be creative. I enjoy watching movies, drawing, needle felting, and scrapbooking.