How did you first get involved with LVA?
I believe when I became a member in 2012 and applied for Artebella, and that trickled into being an instructor in the Open Doors Holiday Program. Since then, I've had a solo show at PUBLIC and am an instructor at the Academy.
When did you first know that art was going to be a big part of your life?
During my 1st year of undergrad - I was at school where studio art was not really happening and so because I was not able to create art, I became very unhappy and depressed. It was at the point that I realized how much art was an integral part of me.
What does LVA add to your life?
LVA adds a community of artists and a way to connect with other artist and educators to my life. For this reason, I am able to participate in arts opportunities all over the city.
How else are you involved in the community?
I work in the Arts in Healing program at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Art where we pair artists with healthcare facilities around the city. We help people heal through the arts in all forms, visual art, music, poetry and drama. I get to attend many of these sessions and take part in the art process with patients and their healing. I am also a Louisville Ultimate Frisbee member for whatever that's worth! It's so much fun and I get to meet people from all backgrounds and professions.
Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon.
Drinking some coffee on a beach!
Who is your favorite local artist?
Douglas Miller, his drawings are beautiful!
Where would you like to see Louisville 10 years from now?
I would like to see Louisville become more diverse both in the arts and in general: a richer diversity in art forms, more galleries, less bars/drinking place and more cultural establishments like museums (photography, history, etc) and maybe that will bring jobs other than healthcare and factory work. I would also love to see the city more united so that there isn't such a disparity with city life and suburb life.
What neighborhood do you live in? What are some of your favorite things about it?
I live around the Brownsboro/Lyndon lane area. I like that it's green, safe/quiet and near my studio. This is the first time I've had an apartment in a nice/safe area and I love it! It's also nice that I can run all my errands within a few miles.
What three items would you bring to a desert island?
A knife, my glasses - I'm blind without it! - and a comfy blanket!
What advice would you give your past self if you could?
I would say be even more curious, ask more questions even if it might make stir things up!
