I’m an art educator, Visual Storyteller & Janome Artisan living in the Midwest, passionate about sustainability and social equity. I lead workshops throughout the Midwest in a variety of subjects, encouraging creative, sustainable approaches as a way to build confidence and community, with a back-to-basics approach. Consciousness about resource use/waste is at heart of what I stand for as an artist. I use all the scraps (retazos) and vintage fabrics that I can to promote sustainability. I want to use, reuse and re-imagine leftover materials to make something whole again; in doing so, I respect the human and environmental resources that go into textile production. We can find comfort in our traditions across cultures and generations to help us lead sustainable, fulfilling lives, while encouraging : Collaboration, Connection and Creativity within our communities.