About

I'm an artist based in a small town across the Puget Sound from Seattle, Washington in the wet, wonderful Pacific Northwest corner of the U.S. I work primarily in acrylic paint and mixed media. I had the great opportunity to live and study in England for many years, piquing a life-long interest in art and architecture. After traveling, I pursued a Bachelor's degree in English literature, and while attending university, I was able to organized and curate student artist exhibits. My foundational efforts in this lead to the creation of the first permanent art gallery devoted to student art on campus.

Ironically, I was born a visual artist in a musical family. At age 11, I was informed that I was “wasting my electives” on visual art classes. Like many budding artists, throughout my formative teenage years, it was drummed into me to get a good job with benefits at a reputable company. Instead, at 19, I moved abroad to study art. After serving in the military and exploring the United States, I married and raised a family, because, this too, was something society said I was supposed to do.

In midlife, I decided to stop listening to what I was "supposed" to do and start doing what I wanted. I picked up the paintbrush again after a 20 year hiatus. At 50 years old, I held my first solo exhibit, and I've never looked back.

EDUCATION
Art History – Norwich, UK, 1989 – 92

Bachelor of Arts, 17th century English Literature, Seattle, WA
University of Washington, 2003

EXPERIENCE
2001 – 2003
Student art curator, University of Washington-Tacoma
conceived, organized space for, and curated numerous 2- and 3-D student art exhibits across multiple campus venues which led to the creation of a permanent student gallery space
liaison between the art department and chancellor's office on all matters regarding student art exhibits

2007 – 2008
Drama teacher, St. Francis School
taught improvisational theater to several classes of mixed-age students
coached students through regional theater competitions

2016 – present
Studio assistant, James Kelsey Studios
assist stainless steel metal sculptor in all aspects of design and fabrication
manage logistics of shipping and delivering sculpture to galleries and collectors

2017 – present
Studio artist, Sharon Stewart Studios

PERSONAL INFORMATION
1969 – born in Texas
1989 – 1992, Lived and studied in Norfolk, England
1992 – 1996, explosives technician, US Army
1997 – 2000, toured the US, studying art and architecture
2016 – present, assisting metal sculptor James Kelsey
2017 – present, studio artist

EXHIBITIONS AND AWARDS
2003 – Fred T. Haley writing award for best long-form essay
2019 – Solo Exhibition, “Ad Astra,” James Kelsey Studios, Belfair, WA