Retired after 35 years as a free-lance performing arts designer and production specialist for costume and scenic design, I moved to Martinsville, VA and became associated with Lynwood Artists, Piedmont Arts Association and Studio 107.  These affiliations provided a supportive and sharing environment to foster my efforts to explore and develop my painting techniques and approaches.  

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During my career I had the pleasure of working with the New England Conservatory Opera, Boston Conservatory, St. Louis Repertory Theater, Opera Theater of St. Louis, Central City Opera in Colorado, and numerous other regional performing arts companies.  During those years I had the joy of teaching and sharing in the development of many fine young performers and designers. 

 

After 6 years on the faculty of the University of South Florida teaching theatrical design and production, figure drawing, rendering and painting for the stage, and a year at the Barter Theater in Abingdon, VA, I decided it was time to retire due to health issues. 

 

Having studied various art disciplines at Louisiana State University, The North Carolina School of the Arts and oil painting at the Boston Adult Education Center I had always had the dream of developing some form of studio art as a retirement activity.  

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It took a while, but after becoming involved with Studio 107 and the Piedmont Arts Association I began taking painting seriously.  In 2010 my studio  experience came together and I exhibited works at Piedmont Arts, Danville Art League, Jeb Stuart Art Show at Reynolds Homestead and consistently received awards and sold works.  In April 2012 I was pleased to have two works chosen to exhibit in a national call juried exhibit at The Academy in Lynchburg, VA.  That experience jolted me into taking my studio work much more seriously.  

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In January 2013 I moved back to my home state of Louisiana in order to escape Winter.  Choosing to reside in Hammond, the town were I received my first BS degree at then Southeastern Louisiana College and my research indicated there was a vibrant  arts community to join. Easy access to both New Orleans and Baton Rouge were strong considerations as well. I joined the Hammond Art Guild and remain an active member.  

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Occasionally I have stepped out of the studio to lend support to production efforts at Opera on the James, Lynchburg, VA, where my good friend Cecelia Schieve joined the staff and then became artistic director, and revisited the joy of working with former colleagues and and fine young contemporary performing artists and production personnel.