In my career as a professional artist and art instructor, I came to the teaching of art to people with disabilities by being in the right place at the right time. While teaching children’s art classes at the Sertoma Art Center in Raleigh, I was asked to accept a 4-year old student with autism in one of my preschool classes. I readily agreed, despite having little experience with students with special needs. Learning to adapt my class content for this student and seeing him succeed sparked my interest in discovering more opportunities to present art instruction to people with disabilities. Since then, I have worked as the Artist in Residence at Wake Enterprises, conducted a month-long collage project at Life Experiences in Cary, worked on a mural project with children at Camp Friendly in Raleigh, taught a variety of mixed media art classes with the seniors and people with disabilities at Total Life Center in Cary, facilitated activities at the Sertoma Art Center’s “Sensory-Friendly Saturdays”, and staffed a number of art activity tables at events where Arts Access is featured. Among the many things I do as an artist, my work with people with disabilities brings me the most joy; I love seeing the spark of pleasure that creating something beautiful can ignite!
Website: kindredspiritstudios.com
Student Work 
Three Boats