I was born in Wisconsin and have lived in Maryland and Virginia. My educational background is in the area of cell biology and neuroscience. I did research for many years and am now working on the administrative side. I have 2 grown children, a daughter 26 and a son 22. As a practising Catholic I am especially drawn to the religious art by the South American artists. I love to read about how family members, especially parents, have inspired many of the artisans. I also enjoy the beautiful jewelry and shawls.