Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

Portraiture is my favorite type of art to create. I love creating portraits because I love appreciating beauty in people. Everyone I draw or paint is beautiful in their own way. I even love to do self portraits because it helps me to appreciate my own beauty—which I find hard to do otherwise, as I have always struggled to feel beautiful. But when I paint or draw myself, I realize that I do have good qualities. I think everyone should try it!

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in everything and everyone: the way the sun filters through the leaves, and the way a small child holds their favorite toy. Beauty is everywhere if you purpose to look for it. But my favorite source of inspiration are my students. I love discussing ideas for projects with the kids that I teach—I learn so much from them and their enthusiasm and joy in creating. We explore the endless possibilities that art has together, & their encouragement ofte fuels my own projects’ energy.

What would you do with $25,000?

If I received $25,000 I would love to offer more classes and experiences in art, particularly for struggling kids who haven’t had much exposure to the world of art, and who would benefit so much from the healing and growth that comes from artistic expression. Sharing my passion for creating art with others has always been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my life, and I’m so grateful for each of my students. It would be such an amazing gift to be able to expand and teach more people.