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During my time studying architecture at Cal Poly, I had the wonderful opportunity to explore the world of watercoloring through a captivating class I was enrolled in. Following graduation, life led me to Truckee, CA, where fate had an extraordinary surprise in store. It was there that I met the love of my life, and before we knew it, our family began to blossom. The birth of my son, Calvin, marked a turning point in my artistic pursuits, as I found solace and inspiration in painting while caring for him at home.

As our family expanded, so did my creative vision. I initially explored the realm of animals in my artwork, but soon found myself drawn to the tender and heartfelt theme of parent-child relationships. The collection of my paintings grew steadily, prompting me to take a leap of faith and test the waters. We participated in various events to showcase and sell my artwork, and the overwhelmingly positive responses in both comments and sales were truly encouraging. Notably, it was during the bustling summer schedule of Truckee Thursdays that I witnessed something truly remarkable—the pure joy and wonder that radiated from children when they laid eyes on my paintings, especially their beloved animals.

The enchantment of these interactions fueled my imagination and motivated me to embark on an ambitious project: creating an ABC Book that seamlessly intertwines my two greatest passions—my beloved family and the captivating wonders of the place we call home. The success of my first book, ABC Truckee, spurred me on to the next chapter of my artistic journey, ABC Tahoe. In 2022, through a mutual friend, I was introduced to Megan Butcher, a local mother with an extraordinary story to share about her late ski patrol dog, Walter. Together, we embarked on a collaborative endeavor, where I brought her heartwarming tale of Walter and Collin, the ski patrol team at Alpine Meadows, to life through my illustrations. The result was Ski Patrol Pups, a touching tribute to the unyielding spirit of these courageous canines.

Each step of this artistic journey has been filled with passion, determination, and an unwavering commitment to capturing the beauty and emotions that resonate within our community. It is my greatest joy to share these stories and paintings, allowing them to touch the hearts and ignite the imaginations of children and adults alike.