For over thirty years I worked in youth and family services and during the last two decades I have combined this experience with fiber, stitching and color to create work that explores portraiture, memory, social change and community.  Learning to sew as a youngster was the beginning of my art making. It has now led to designing and fabricating contemporary quilts and mixed media art.   My work is a combination of narrative quilting that explores African American history and personal stories along with figurative work showcasing women and men both past and present.  I continue to use a variety of fibers, threads, paper, paint and found objects to present ideas that interest me.  I combine piecing and design techniques associated with African American quilts but may include raw edge appliqué, fusing, extensive stitching, slashing, paper, paint, plastic, beads, buttons, recycled materials or just about anything that strikes my fancy. I continue to add to my collection of old photos for inspiration as I explore memory, history and culture.