April’s art career began at an early age with a box of 64 Crayola crayons. These days, she focuses on colored pencil landscapes, birds, and petroglyphs. April earned a Bachelor’s in Art Education followed by a Master’s in Education Creative Arts in Learning. Her public school teaching career spanned 27 years at the elementary level. During her 21 years at Mesa Elementary School in Boulder, CO, April developed a state and national award-winning art program that integrated art with music and physical education. This award from the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education, called the School of Distinction Award for Arts Education, is given to only five schools each year. In 2000, Mesa was the only elementary school recognized by the organization. One of her program highlights was an Arts Day, which brought in community artists, dancers from the Longmont Dance Theatre, and a musical guest. She also worked with teachers on a regular basis to enhance their curriculum with related art topics.

In 2000, April was nominated as a Disney Art Teacher of the Year. She received an award in both 1999 and 2003 from the Colorado Alliance for Arts Education. Her art has been displayed at the East Boulder County Artists Studio Tour, The Art Center at Fuller Lodge in Los Alamos, NM, the Louisville Arts Association, and at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts in San Diego, CA.

After retiring from teaching, April has been focusing on her own artwork as well as her interest in music. She plays flute with the Flatirons Community Orchestra and the Autumnus Woodwind Quintet. Always inspired by nature, she enjoys hiking in the mountains of Colorado. She also volunteers with the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group. Now, April is here to share her knowledge and passion for art with you. As Chef Gusteau in “Ratatouille” believes that anyone can cook, April believes that with a little encouragement and direction, anyone can be an artist.