Tell us a little bit about your journey as an artist.

In high school, there was an advanced art class that students were asked to audition for, and I was selected to be part of it. Then I did not do any art again until 2018, when I saw that One River Millburn was opening up. I needed something to do on Tuesday nights and was looking for a creative outlet. I knew I always wanted to get back into art, and when I read the description, this looked like the right place to be!

Which has been your favorite project to work on at One River and why?

Oh my, so many because of Art Shuffle I get to do what I want, always experimenting! I started with my chicken theme for a while, where I made everything down to the paper, and now I’m into collaging, with each project building on the collage, painting, beading, sewing. And I’m looking forward to my next one, who knows what I might add on now! 

Describe One River in 3 words and tell us why

Inspiring, Creative, Welcoming. Inspiring because of the instructors. I have learned from every single one, including Viviana, Lexy, and Kate. They encourage you to work bigger and bolder and always do more!

What would you tell people who’ve never dabbled in art making are the real benefits to trying it?

You go into a zen state, even though it can be stressful to make art, it is a relaxing, good stress. You feel great doing something for yourself. I leave every Tuesday night on a high and I wake up on Wednesdays wishing I could go back! I have met people here that I never would have had the chance to meet, and they are all fabulous people. I learn from them all every week, even from the younger Portfolio students!

Would you like to share anything else about your experience with One River’s adult program/classes?

My husband died suddenly on a Tuesday, and I thought “where is the place that I can go where I feel safe”. And so One River Millburn is where I came. I told my instructor Lexy what had happened, we cried, and then I went back in the room and made some art. Because One River is so welcoming and makes you feel safe, and was where I needed to be that night.