Since 2003, I have served as Executive Director of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc., a city-funded, non-profit organization that promotes the arts as vitally important to the Central Illinois community's cultural and economic development. (www.artspartners.net, p. 309.676.2787)

Interest in creating my own art is relatively new. After taking an introductory painting class, I gravitated toward hand-painting and designing my own notecard line, HeartART, which is now being carried by several floral shops in Peoria, Illinois.

Regarding my larger paintings, I pattern my work after artist Mark Rothko, whose abstractions deal with basic color schemes, combinations and shapes that evoke a simple mood or impression.

Painting has become a tremendously rewarding activity for me. Without a doubt, it is forever inspiring and forever gratifying knowing that every piece of art magically takes on a creative life of its own.