In my 24 years of teaching Art, this was one of the most rewarding experiences that I have experienced. My teaching has improved because of my involvement in the "Judy Project". It provided me a chance to connect my students with a Minnesota practicing artist, connections with museums, and the opportunity to work with my collegues on this exciting curriculum piece.

I began teaching Art, K–12, on the Iron Range for the first nine years of my career. It was a good rural teaching experience especially since I saw everyone in the school except for the ninth graders. I did find it a somewhat lonely existence being the only art teacher around for 30 miles.

I relocated to the Columbia Heights School District , a first ring northern surburb of the Twin Cities, 15 years ago, to help them start a new elementary art program. In those years I have been in our high school, middle school and all three elementary schools. When developing the art curriculum, we based it on a DBAE model.

I currently teach Art, grades 6-8, at Central Middle School, in Columbia Heights School District. I have students for a semester of Art in both grades six and seven and also teach Art 8 and Crafts 8 electives. My students are a diverse mix both culturally and economically. I continue to grow and learn from them on a daily basis.

I attended Bemidji State University for both my BA and BS (art education) degrees. I also attended the University of Oregon where I received my MFA degree in Painting and Drawing.

Besides teaching, I have been involved in various leadership roles in Art Educators of Minnesota, Minnesota Best Practices, my local teachers' union, and the National Art Education Association. These roles provide me with a vehicle to promote the importance of quality art education programs.

Working with my students on this project has provided our classroom with expanding opportunities, challenges, and the ability to set and reach expectations.