I am an educator and artist, whose passion can be summed up in a few words, “creating art is for everyone.” Teaching and art making have been part of my whole life. I used to teach languages, computer graphics design, music and jewelry making. When my only child, Chris, died from cancer at age 12, I was devastated. My heart broke into a million pieces and I felt I lost my life purpose. It was at a grief conference when I was introduced to painting as a way of dealing with grief. I immediately felt a deep connection with colors. I attended several art classes, including silk painting, acrylic, watercolor and alcohol ink, mandalas, and art journaling. I realized that with brushes and paints I am able to express what is hard to say in words. I committed to rebuilding myself as an artist.I regularly exhibit in several galleries in the Washington DC area. In addition to being a member of Falls Church Arts, I am a member of the Intentional Creativity Guild, the Del Ray Artisans Gallery and the Arlington Artists Alliance.When I am not painting or teaching art, I enjoy practicing mindful awareness meditation and socializing with other artists. I am also dedicated to helping kids with cancer via the Chris Lantos Foundation that my husband and I established in memory of our son.I live in Virginia with my husband Attila and my son’s cat, Mr. Mittens.