Q: Why did you become a RoCo member?
A: I always make it a point to have a membership at at least one museum everywhere I live. RoCo has been the most welcoming by far and is more on the ground level when it comes to engaging the community. It's nice to see the real impact each dollar and volunteer hour has.

Q: Tell us about an interesting experience you've had in Rochester.
A: I don't go out often but decided on a lark to go to karaoke. I met a regular- within ten minutes we were old pals. She memorizes the lyrics and was performing without looking at the screen at all! To say the least I was impressed by the talent but she also introduced me to a lot of my favorite people and places around town. She is such a character and is a good representation of how friendly Rochesterians are. She was giving me, a total stranger, the who, what, and where of the South Wedge within an hour of meeting me!

Q: You're an avid art collector! What surprising piece of work would we find in your collection?
A: The piece that gets the most attention from visitors is by Warren, Ohio artist Shannon Fee. He is known for photographic works featuring taboo subjects (i.e. heroin use). The piece I own, "The American Dream", is a perfect representation of men using violence to cover up their insecurities. Or perhaps it's a comment on how the American Dream fails us and leads us to despair. It's definitely my jaw-dropper and very open to interpretation.

Q: What do you do that’s still analog?
A: Almost everything! I collect digital works but haven't created any myself as of yet. The majority of my music collection is on vinyl- I'm a big collector of Disco and am convinced it sounds better with a record player. I think analog and digital art of all forms is delightful and truly don't have a preference but there is definitely something to be said about having an object you can hold in your hands.

Q: If you could learn a new art skill, what would it be?
A: Encaustic painting. I admire the Abstract Expressionists and some of their best works are encaustic. A bit of a lofty goal but I would love to create my own gallery size pieces in the medium.

Q: What in your wardrobe do you wear most often?
A: My cowboy boots- the shoe for all occasions! They remind me of home and I have yet to find a place where they aren't practical. Maximalism bordering on tacky is very much my taste in all things, so why not have a showy shoe style to match?

Q: If you could have one artist create your portrait, who would it be?
A: Raymond Towler. He mostly does music at this point but his visual works are stunning and I own a few of his prints. My favorite works by him are these gorgeous abstract portraits and it would be an honor to be the subject.

Q: New Wave or Trip Hop?
A: New Wave. The influences are all from Black-originated genres (think Disco and Reggae) and it's hard to go wrong when all the ingredients are right! The visuals are over the top and the sound is dramatic. I like my art bold!