First, some personal short thoughts: I am a self taught artist, I have always loved the interplay of the visual art with the written word, and I have always loved the way musicians can express themselves through their music.

         In 1986 I was encouraged by family and friends to take samples of my work to Don Drumm Gallery and Studio of Akron, Ohio. I was terrified. My thinking was that I would be thrown out first and then my drawings on top. However, Lisa Drumm and her staff were gracious and impressed. They then surprised me by displaying my work in the lower gallery with excellent response and sales.

         I have since had the privilege of not only speaking, but doing projects with students of all ages. I always refer to this as an example of why a risk like this should always be taken. How this has opened many doors that, if handled correctly, can allow your work to be appreciated by the largest audience possible.

         From this beginning, these doorways were opened to me:

         In 1993 I was chosen by author Thomas L. Tedrow (Death At Chappaquidick, The Continued Adventures of Laura Ingolls Wilder series) to not only illustrate, but help write the new Wizard Of Oz series I was chosen by the author out of many submitting to Family Vision Press. Unfortunately, the project was put on hold.

         At this time I was also admitted into the Ohio Designer Craftsmen which through the Rosen Shows and The Ohio Buyers Guide received close to one thousand gallery inquiries about my work from all fifty states. I had the privilege of being seen on both coasts and in between, as well as in Africa!

         In 1994 I was shown at the National Women’s Democratic Club with Sculptress Annette Friedmen. I also had the privilege of having a full color page given me by a publication of Better Homes and Gardens.

         In 1995 I was accepted into the best of 1995 by the Ohio Designer Craftsmen. This was followed by several speaking requests at schools etc. as well as several gallery shows.

         In 1996 I was asked by the head architect of the Friendship Park in Cincinnati, Ohio to help with the design of the park, unfortunately I was not able to comply. It was at this time illness struck my family, and I had to take a sabbatical from the art world.

         In 1999 I had the pleasure of seeing a cousin whom I hadn't seen in over twenty years. I came to discover that he had attained a Doctorate in Geography even though being totally blind. It was in this conversation that I realized, as he did, that he would never see what was important to me, my artwork. It was at then that the Art Without Exemption project was born.