I motivate my students to create art to compete in local, state and national competitions. I promote creativity, originality and the development of a personal style.

Art isn't just about drawing, and what I teach involves a whole lot more! My students work with clay, paper mache, watercolor, acrylic on canvas, batik, enamel on copper and fused glass. Silkscreening, weaving, book making, digital photography, podcasting and mural painting are also a part of the art experience.

I encourage students to attend summer sessions at the NC School for the Arts and the Sawtooth Center for Visual Arts.

For three years in a row my students have received Gold Keys in the Scholastic Art Competition for their outstanding linoleum block prints and have been recognized publicly by the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School Board. In addition, the 2007-2008 school year is the first one, where my students won two silver keys for their digital imagery!

I don't keep great art a secret, I believe in exhibiting art in the halls of the school as well as online at Artsonia. Student work has been in exhibited at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA), Downtown Spring Exhibition, Downtown Library, Delta Fine Arts Center, State Employees Credit Union and the Mayor's office.

I tell my students, they do not have to be great at drawing to enroll in my art classes. They do have to try everything and give 100%. I grade using rubrics and look primarily for craftsmanship, amount of detail and time and effort. With practice, hard work and effort, my students will become one of the best of the best!