You must know this simple thing about me- I was captured by the love of, the things of and the world of Art because of very specific "teachers" in my life.  My first Art teacher was my Nanny Greer who taught me right at her kitchen table: I drew hotdogs and popcorn images and then painted in watercolour.  Then the U.S. Army took our family to Germany and my 7th & 8th grade Art Teacher Mr. Steve Gerrity made Art come alive to me.  My family and I moved back to the States for 9th-12th and my Highschool Art Teacher Ms Nancy Mitchell in Vicksburg, MS further deepend the desire in my mind, heart and soul of the things of Art. 

      During my senior year my dad made mention to me as I was trying to decide what in the world am I going to study in college- "jess, study what you love and don't let money be the deciding factor as to what you choose to do.  Do what you love!" So- Art was the clear path I chose.  My studies began at New Mexico Military Institute.  I then went to New Mexico State University where I studied most of my Art disciplines for a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree but met the man for me. We moved to Montana and I settled with a Bachelors of Art in Art emphasis in painting from the University of Great Falls. 

      I have taught Art: DrawingI,II,III & Life Drawing, PaintingI,II,III, Life Painting in both the private and public realms for years.  Before my family and I moved here two years ago I owned and operated a successful Fine Art Gallery & Custom Framing Shop (Creative Designs Custom Framing & Gallery) in Alamogordo, NM.  I worked first hand with many artists including highschoolers.  Some of which are now pursuing professional art careers.  

      I am so excited to be working with 9th-12th grade students to dig deep in the realm of Fine Art: History, Theory, Processes in mediums:drawing, painting, print making, collage, virtual drawing and painting, sculpture, pottery and more.   I would like each student from Art 1 all the way to AP Art to develope great studio habits: understand safety procedures, discover sketchbook disciplines, walk through peer critiques, learn how to document their work in an electronic portfolio and use a museum hanging formula to display their work.  Further more, I think its important to take uper level students past making their art to exhibiting in group and possible solo shows. I want to see these kids exhibiting at school activities in "Pop Up" shows and in the general public.