I attended the Emporia State University, and then graduate school at the University of Kansas, under Roger Shimomura.  While at KU, I was awarded a fellowship to the attend the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture.  There I had resident 10 week faculty of Mary Heilmann, Louisa Chase (just off from winning the Venice Biennale), Roy Deforest, Sidney Goodman, and Betye Saar.

As I had a car, I became “yard sale buddies” with Betye, attending all the local thrift stores and flea markets, with each of us seeking objects for art.

I also was able to present my art to visiting artists Eric Fischl, Elizabeth Murray, Elizabeth Catlett, and art critic Hilton Kramer.

The Skowhegan faculty and director encouraged me to apply for graduate school and Yale, writing glowing recommendation letters.  I was accepted, but ultimately for the sake of wife and family, remained at KU.

My first full-time teaching job was in 2000 at Western Iowa Tech Community College, where I worked with a large hispanic and native american population, all first generation college students.  In 2005 I relocated to Plano TX, to teach at Collin College, as full-time professor of studio and lecture art, a position I held until 2018.

From 2012 to 2018, I have had 8 solo exhibitions at university galleries, museums including:

Sylvia White Gallery, Ventura CA

Valdosta State University, Valdosta GA

Ormand Museum, Ormand Beach FL

Museum of Art, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg KS

Fort Worth Community Art Center, Fort Worth TX

During that same period, I also had participation in exhibitions at the Macon Museum of Arts and Science, Macon GA; Museum of Art, Monroe LA; Museum of American Art, New Britain Connecticut; Museum of Art, Alexandria LA; and the Brooklyn Artist Coalition, Brooklyn NY.

Following my exhibition success, and utilizing an inheritance, I opened a gallery dedicated to National Juried Exhibitions, and the income derived from entry fees.   These 4-6 week shows (featured on CallForEntry) were of theme or media competitions, and I was the sole proprietor (Curator & Director) of Dallas Metro Arts Contemporary.  It featured 1600 square feet of gallery and additional studio space.  Typical shows featured 50-60 artworks from about 45-50 artists representing 25-30 states.  DMAC awarded cash prizes up to $2000 per show.  I survived a year into Covid, but ultimately closed the gallery in 2021 due to water damage to my rental facility.

During the years of the gallery I continued part-time and online teaching, and was accepted full-time at Sinte Gleska University, in the Fall of 2022.  I have enjoyed reconnecting with my rural roots, living in the  small town of Valentine NE, literally straight north on highway 83 from my Oberlin KS origins, and a short commute to SGU in Mission SD.  

My wife and I care full-time for her elderly disabled mother in our home, and her three small demons that self-identify as Chihuahua's.  I have been married to my eHarmony bride Tonya for 20 years, and am active biblical study at my local Valentine Berean Church.