My goal is to inspire students to tap into their imagination and spark their desire for self-expression by introducing them to an art journal (aka altered book/visual journal) and try different mixed-media techniques. I hope they plan to continue creating this journal long after the class has ended.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA and spent my first 10 years out of college working with professional designers and photographers in the publishing world. I was exposed to an eclectic variety of art media and styles. Later, as a volunteer art teacher, I was introduced to altered journals and fell in love with combining journaling and art together, so I made my own!

I have enjoyed art journaling for many years and have worked on my own visual journal as a great way to create a distinctive piece of art that also included personal reflections, notations, and adornments.

No specific homework is assigned, but students are encouraged to finish pages we start in class and explore other options and media.

Throughout the class, I will have artists share their pages with me to see their progress and ask questions as they arise to ensure they are comfortable with the media, the process, and their progress. We will engage in respectful and relaxed conversation as we work to discuss the goals for their book and brainstorm ideas to get them there.

55 minutes per week in class, and maybe some time outside of class.