About Me
Artist/Writer
I've been an artist in Kankakee County Illinois (not far from Chicago), for the past 11 years where I live with my son, husband, and an assortment of animals. I enjoy showing my work at festivals, gallery exhibitions, and other events in the region. I lead workshops in informal settings and have a penchant for painting en plein air. I started showing my art in 2007 while living in Atlanta Georgia. I grew up in Illinois and studied Philosophy at Western Illinois University.
I've also quietly been a writer, penning speculative stories infused with literary overtones. My first book was published in 2019 and includes a Pushcart Prize-nominated poem. Adding the "/Writer" to my Artist title has been invigorating to my creative muses! I am continuously working on new written and visual works. ... Follow my journey on Instagram or Facebook.
exhibits and events
Upcoming Events
... stay tuned! Announcements for new happenings will be shared on social media.
Past Exhibits and Events
- 10 Minute Play Festival, Kankakee Valley Theatre Association
"Psychic Healing" was awarded 3rd Place & produced on stage
August 2021
- "Very Well, Thank You": The Arts as a Means to Well Being
March-May, 2021
Northern Illinois University's Art Museum
Juried Group Art Exhibit
- April 2021
Served as one of three art judges for "Brave, Bold, and Believed," a group art show to promote healing presented by Clove Alliance at the Majestic in Kankakee, IL
- "Vernal Equinox: Spring Awakens" March 2019
Juried Group Art Exhibition at Plum Creek Nature Center, Beecher IL
- Curator for "Art 4 Heart : The Journey to a Healthy Heart Through the Artist's Eye", an annual juried art exhibit for high school artists by Riverside Medical Center. This is an on-going, annual exhibit that takes place at the end of each Feburary from 2012-2021.
- Sci-fi novel in verse, INTERVIEWS FROM THE LAST DAYS, is published by Atmosphere Press
- Live Painting at Riverside Medical Center 2/13/2020 and 2/14/2019
- Anniversary Exhibit, April 2018 and 2017
FEED Arts and Cultural Center, Kankakee IL
- "Tell Me About the Sea {Self Portrait with Dream Animals}" original painting
published in Feb. 2017 issue of Art Ascent magazine
- Art, Music, and Dreams in the Canyon. Instructed art workshops, Sept. 2016
Wellness Retreat in Unionville, Nevada
- Art Classes & Art Camps instructed through the Bourbonnais Township Park District
(summers of 2016 & 2017 )
- Instructed art classes for Kankakee Community College's Girl's STEAM program
(summer of 2016, 2017, 2018)
- Verse & Vision, June 2015
Group Exhibition
FEED - Kankakee IL (now-closed)
- Wolves, Feathers & Syncroncities: Artwork by Christina Loraine & Brittany Vance
Sept 2014
FEED - Kankakee IL
- SELF . July 2014
Juried Group Art Exhibition, the Gretchen Charlton Gallery, Kankakee IL
awarded a blue ribbon for "Tell Me About the Sea {Self Portrait with Dream Animals}"
- State of the Art . June 2014
Group Exhibit of 10 artists
John Barleycorn - River North, Chicago IL
- Emerging Artists Exhibit . Feb 2014
Morpho Gallery
Chicago, IL
- Juried Fall Art Exhibit, Group Show. Sept 2013
Honorable Mention award for "King of Clubs"
Gretchen Charlton Art Gallery, Kankakee, IL
- Judges Award. Sept 2013
Art in the Park in Galesburg, IL
- "Dreams within Me" National Art Competition. July 2013
1st place for "Air in the Time of Marcus Aurelius"
Gulf Coast Art
- Phoenix Rising Chicago presents: Gynaeceum. June 2013
Group show of visual and performance art
The Double Door, Chicago, IL
- Live Painting Competition . April 2013
2nd place
Uncubed River East Arts Center. Chicago, IL
- Emerging Artists Exhibit . Feb 2013
Morpho Gallery
Chicago, IL
- Self Portrait Exhibit. Feb 2013
Studio 659
Whiting, IN
- Expansion: A Pop-Up Gallery. Oct-Nov 2012
Lacuna Artist Lofts
Chicago, IL
- Flying House 8.25.2012
"Letters into the Void" installation
Maes Studio, Chicago, IL
- Abstracts of Love, Group Show 2.2010 - 3.2010
Jack Art Gallery
Atlanta, GA
- Off the Wall, Group Art Show 10.23.09
Defoor Centre Gallery
Atlanta, GA
- The Rites of Spring: Four Artists- Four Mediums 3.19.09 - 4.30.09
Defoor Centre Gallery
Atlanta, GA
- Off the Wall, Group Art Show 11.15.08
Defoor Centre Gallery
Atlanta, GA
- Group Art Show 10.4.2008
Neighborhood Gallery Arts Center, Atlanta, GA
exhibited a collection of 15 paintings
- Employee's Picks Group Show 6.14.2008
MINT Gallery, Atlanta GA
- It's only Rock 'n Roll Group Art Show 1.26.2008
curated by Christina Loraine at MINT Gallery, Atlanta GA
- Off the Wall Group Show 11.17.2007
Defoor Centre Gallery, Atlanta GA
- Haunted Art Show 10.26.2007
dooGallery, Atlanta GA
- MIXT Group Art Show 8.25.2007
MINT Gallery, Atlanta GA
- Group Art Show 8.18.2007
dooGallery, Atlanta GA
- Tiki Tiki Tiki Group Art Show 8.11.2007
dooGallery, Atlanta GA
- Go Skate Deck Group Art Show 6.23.2007
dooGallery, Atlanta G