For ten years, I worked with and led a group of over one hundred volunteer artists, helping them develop their talents and finding ways to impact our community. During that time, the unexpected awakening of my artistic nature added a sharp curve in my journey. I wrestled with my identity – can I call myself a real artist? And I questioned the purpose of my creativity – did it even matter in a small town? These questions prompted the early stages of writing my book.  

And then the path changed. I had to find a new job where the landscape became a maze of grey cubicles. Searching for new skills, I enrolled in college. Again!

I completed a Masters in Communication and Leadership through Gonzaga University in 2013.. My thesis explored artists as cultural leaders. Research shows artists are powerful influencers on our society, especially about politics and product choices.

My research concluded that artists and their creativity:

1. Stimulates our imaginations

2. Merges our mental and emotion processes

3. Influences our perceptions

4. Changes our behavior

Artist's and their creativity have the capability of holistically transforming a person!!

This mile-post pivoted my artist journey. The research outcomes reinforced my experience in Cheyenne, Wyoming — the artist’s journey is significant not only for the artist but also to every community. And so I passionately wrote pages and pages until it became a book.

Currently, for forty hours a week, I am a corporate trainer. My days consist of facilitating professional development trainings on leadership, teamwork and mentoring.

And yet, my artist journey continues.

I have committed to my creative growth and community involvement. I encourage artists to invest in themselves and where they live.

Contact me for mentoring on your artist journey.