Get to know me

Were you involved with creating artwork throughout your childhood?

Yes, all throughout my childhood I was exposed to art and allowed to do art in many forms. My parents helped to put me in instructor lead art classes for drawing & painting from a very young age and I took every art class or camp I could in my freetime. Most of my after school hours in middle/highschool were spent obsessing on art class homework or creating art of my own. 

What made you decide to go into your profession?

I’ve always had a serious passion for the Arts and have been involved in volunteering to teach them for many years now. Like the 6 week stained glass program I did for the Art Club at Fort Dodge Senior High. Or helping out with community art projects and events which led me to being involved in the Fort Dodge Fine Arts board for a little over 3 years. So I was actually working in Insurance for the last 5 years when I had the opportunity to take over Studio Fusion in Fort Dodge from Heather Applegate and be mentored by her in the process. I had to jump on this once in a life-time opportunity when she asked me. It had always been a dream of mine to own and operate an art studio and I knew this was my chance, my calling to teach and do art for a living. As of January 2025 I’ve been full time at the Studio as part owner learning from Heather, and teaching most of the after-hours classes & camps. With the opportunity to be buying her out coming towards the end of this year so the legacy of Studio Fusion that she has built and grown over the last 12 years can continue in our community. It is my “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” opportunity. I got the Golden Ticket and I am so thankful and appreciative of Heather for considering me for this position. 

What inspires you as an artist and why?

Other people/artists inspire me as an artist. Seeing how others see beauty in different things, and how differently each person’s mind works when it comes to colors, sounds, perception and more is really what pushes me to make different forms of art and test the boundaries of mixed media, glass and more. My family and friends inspire me the most and I make the best art when making it for them with intention and love. 

Who do you admire as an artist and why?

I really admire all artists, but for something like glass art there are a few people. One gentleman I’ve followed for awhile is Nate Snipes. He is always pushing the boundary on glass art. Another is the Owner of Colorado Glass Works. I haven’t been able to make it out to see her Studio in person or meet her, although I have tried several times it just didn’t work into the schedule, but I’ve connected with one of her previous employees through glass art and have followed her Studio since I began doing stained glass 7 years ago. Her Studio in Colorado is what I strive for our studio to be one day. She mainly uses Dichroic glass which is beautiful glass, but she also teaches hundreds of students a week in glass art and more and I just hope one day I can achieve that level. Sharing my love of glass art with people is really what drives me to keep creating and teaching. 

What do you enjoy about the art scene in Fort Dodge?

I think what I love most about the art scene in Fort Dodge is the diversity. We have music, plays, art education, art events, and so much more. You can do or see art at any time or day in this town even if you aren’t trying. Seeing the love some community members have for it and the passion to share and spread the love of the arts is really great. Being a part of the growing art scene here has been a really cool learning experience. The people that are a part of the art scene are just all so kind, caring, and willing to share their resources with others so we can all be successful and I just really love that. 

What do you most enjoy about Studio Fusion?

My favorite part is opening the kilns everyday and seeing all of the finished projects. 5 people can paint the same item, but they all paint it differently, with their own unique vision and it's just incredible to see the diversity between each individual's mind. 

What would you like people to know about Studio Fusion?

Studio Fusion is fun for everyone. Young kids, teens, adults, all genders. It’s a safe and supportive space where you can be yourself and create beautiful art for yourself or someone else. Creating is so important for everyone's mental, emotional and physical health, especially in the world we are currently living in. We’ve seen it help so many individuals through good & bad times and good and bad heath. So to know that there is a place in Fort Dodge you can go at any time to let go and get creative is the best thing about Studio Fusion and everyone should know they are welcomed with open arms to learn and create, and we promise it's not as scary, and so much easier then it may seem. You just have to come in and try something, or come in and chat with us first and feel it out. 

What’s your dream vacation?

My dream vacation is actually heading to Europe to do an art excursion. From the enormous stained glass windows everywhere, to the smaller glass producers studios. I am also a huge fan of architecture so being able to see all of the old buildings, sculptures, fountains and churches, made so beautifully and maintained would just be the best time of my life. Checking out the STRAAT museum in Amsterdam, the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Murano Glass Factory in Venice, and everything in between. I love to travel, so to immerse myself in other countries' arts, music and food would be my dream