Portfolio

In 2023, the Tillamook Beekeepers Association (TBA) broke ground on a new Apiary and Garden Learning Center. The Center is a place for TBA members to gather, keep hives, and learn the art of beekeeping together, and also features a beautiful garden for all visitors to enjoy. One of the first structures raised at the site was a supplies shed. As a TBA member, I offered to paint a mural on one side of this shed, and turned to other TBA members for inspiration, asking what they enjoyed most about keeping bees. Several members called out their love of the science of beekeeping, their joy in experimenting and learning, and their fascination with how bees work together, communicate and pollinate. 

The mural features images of honeybees in different stages of development and doing different jobs within the colony, hexagonal "cells" framed by hive frames, and branches with blooming cherry blossoms interconnecting all. The colors chosen correspond to the existing hive boxes in the club's apiary, and aim to lend a bright and welcoming atmosphere to this place of learning. 

9' x 16' mural. Acrylic paint on metal siding. Completed October 2023.

My partner and I are good friends with a local Tillamook couple who lets us watch their adorable dog from time to time :) One day I learned they had a dream of a cow painted on their garage. We looked at various paintings they had in their home, discussed what they liked about them, and played around with ideas for how to incorporate a friendly cow "looking at you" near a fence, a bright red barn, a view of pasture, and a local ridge line in the distance - all painted in a nostalgic and classic style. This is the cheery mural that resulted, one that truly pays homage to Tillamook's dairyland heritage. 

The wall of the garage is directly visible from several windows in their home, as well as from a covered porch. As you approach the garage from the house, "Miss Mooky" (as affectionately named by the client) follows you with her smiling eye, and the details of far-distant cows at pasture come forward. 

6' x 12.5' mural. Acrylic paint on metal siding. Completed July 2024.

Tillamook K9 Rescue approached me with an idea for a gratitude sign at the entrance to their local facility, where they receive and shelter dogs found at large and coordinate their reunion with their family, or adoption by a new family. I was honored to complete this sign for them, which not only shows gratitude to some of the many supporters of this non-profit, but helps visitors identify the facility entrance. 

I had such fun working with the Rescue and their ideas for this sign, which incorporates a portrait of Gunner the Rescue Dog (a tribute to a beloved past family member of a Rescue supporter) saying "Thank you" to many donors, whose names are featured on individual bones flying from the earth! Dogs at play unearth these bones and draw attention to the K9 logo across the bottom. I cut each bone from 1/2" plywood and individually finished and attached them, so that the bones can be rearranged, replaced, or repainted, extending the relevance of the sign throughout its lifetime. These 3D bones have extra pop and substance, further accentuating the importance of the Rescue's donors to its mission and success. 

6' x 9' sign. Acrylic and latex paint on cedar fence boards and plywood. Completed September 2025. 

This project truly demonstrates the power of paint to transform a space. This client's mission was to impart a sense of depth and light into a dark, narrow hallway at the end of which sat a linen closet with floor to ceiling hardwood doors finished in a dark stain. She shared a few photos of trees that she liked, and knew she at least wanted one or more pines painted at sunrise, to pay homage to her family's farm. Her guidance was simple - "If you love trees, then you'll know what to do" - and so resulted this romantic, bright, looking-out-a-window view of a ridge line of pines silhouetted at sunrise with distant birds soaring amongst backlit clouds. The doors open up to reveal a surprise of color and portraits of a chickadee and an elk - two far-off creatures among the pines suddenly close enough to touch.

Four doors comprising an approximately 3.5' x 7.5' area. Acrylic paint on hardwood. Completed March 2025. 

To design this guest vanity, I took inspiration from the bathroom's bird theme, Mexican decorative motifs and embellishments from the Book of Kells. I love working with the existing architecture of doors, knobs and molding as found on a piece of furniture like this - it feels almost effortless to decorate!

37" x 22" vanity. Acrylic on wood composite. Completed Summer 2023. 

Shortly after moving to Tillamook, I discovered Luz Mexican Restaurant, which has become one of our favorite places to eat. The owner  Jhovani, who started his business in a food truck, moved into this brick and mortar location in 2021 and quickly earned a reputation for his authentic and flavorful food, while the building, which used to house an old gas station, remained rather nondescript. 

I approached Jhovani with an idea to paint a large mural on the outside of his building to draw more attention to the restaurant and its personality, and thankfully, he agreed!

This large circular mural is a colorful adaptation of the restaurant's logo, building on a Dia de los Muertos theme, and incorporating the restaurant's name. It catches the eye of all northbound traffic on Highway 101, welcoming visitors and locals alike to this friendly restaurant and hallmark of Tillamook's food scene. 

10' diameter circular mural. Exterior house paint on vinyl siding. Completed September 2025.