I have always believed that arts education isn’t just about mastering a technical skill or "making pretty things." It is about learning how to see the world.

While writing is a beautiful art form, visual art allows us to express things that words simply cannot reach. This belief is exactly why I am an art educator myself, and why I’ve chosen to donate my work to Blue Line Arts for their annual Lottery for the Arts fundraiser.

A Toolkit for Life

Creativity has been the constant thread in my life. It has helped me grow my imagination, process complex emotions, and find a path through grief toward healing. When we support arts education, we aren’t just funding a hobby; we are providing young people with a mental and emotional toolkit. We are nurturing the next generation of thinkers and innovators who will shape our culture and our economy.

Blue Line Arts is a vibrant hub in our Roseville community that makes these opportunities accessible. The skills taught through art - confidence, creative problem-solving, and self-expression - serve students in every area of life, long after they leave the classroom. Now more than ever, we need these creative spaces to bring people together and bridge the gaps in our society.

"Safe Haven"

This year, I am donating one of my popular house-themed artworks, "Safe Haven," to the Lottery.

This piece features brass flowers and a tiny table and chairs set against a glowing autumnal forest. In the attic space, a small bird nests among birch cones. It speaks of the idea that nature is our true home, a place that offers hope and healing when the rest of the world feels overwhelming. This donation is my investment in a culture of creativity where every student has a nurturing space to discover their own potential for transformation.

How to Get Involved

The Lottery for the Arts is a fun, high-energy way to support this mission. Supporters purchase lottery tickets, each worth one artwork. On the night of the event, tickets are drawn, and holders choose their favorite pieces right off the wall!

Preview Night: Visit the gallery this Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. to see the available artworks on display.
Gallery Hours: You can also visit during regular hours leading up to the main event.
Lottery Night: Join the excitement on March 14th.

If you can’t make the Preview Night this Saturday but would like to walk through the exhibit with me, please reach out! I would love to meet you there and share more about these works in person.

Why I’m Investing a Culture of Creativity

My Pipevine Fascination