Sophie's Story

sophie outdoors painting plein air

Formally trained at Wake Forest, and then a BFA from the University of GA, I was taught hands-on creation of typography and design. In my early days of marriage, I balanced life as a special needs parent while creating a business as a Muralist in Ponte Vedra Beach.

After a traumatic loss in 2002, of our oldest son (8), Joshua, to a rare heart disease, my art was a necessary outlet to remind me of God's love, even in our darkest valleys. It was cathartic and healing, seeking out references of magnified blooms and butterflies, and the beauty of everyday life. 

I began to get invitations to speak, sharing my art, and a message of hope through grief and loss. I shared our story in over 20 women's conferences and was featured in NE Florida galleries and Press from 2006-2010.

While also working in various roles in marketing and communications, I became licensed with the largest Art dealer via the Furniture Market for my "Back Home" Farmhouse and Coastal works - art that stemmed from memories of my home state of NC. 

I came home from work in 2022 to devote more time to my art practice, in Orange Park, FL. I have continued my love of largescale murals by designing and coordinating over 8 different public murals in Clay County, but my studio time is now focused on oils. I teach classes locally, (acrylic) and in 2024 began more Plein Air painting excursions. 

It is my hope that my art continues to tell a story of the rich culture and history of the south - a celebration of the simple beauties found in nature, wildlife and everyday life.

As of 2025, I now include a hidden butterfly in all of my original artworks, as a symbol of HOPE and NEW BEGINNINGS. 🦋 

Member of Kiawah Art Collective

First Coast Plein Air painters

Anchored Studio gallery - St. George St Augustine, FL

 ·       Private Collection The Beach Company, Kiawah River, SC

 ·         Private collection at St. Johns Country Day School

 ·         Private Collection Dr. Boitet, DDS

 ·         Private Collection - St. Michaels Soldiers Charity

 ·         St. Michael’s Soldiers Kindness Project – Design and Project manage a 12x 30 Butterfly mural on Kingsley Ave. in Orange Park to promote kindness in the community 

 ·         OP Florist - Facilitate a 15 ft. high mural Floral Bouquet to enhance the back entrance of store

 ·         St. Michael’s Soldiers Memorial Mural Project – Design and facilitate a 35 Ft. mural in historic downtown for St. Michael’s Soldiers. (included 8 accompanying artists) Now commemorated in a documentary, They Are the Heroes” on Amazon PRIME

 ·         Cove in Bloom Green Cove Springs Mural Project – Design and facilitate a 40 Ft. mural in historic downtown area. Created it as a fundraiser for 2 local charities, and a scavenger hunt containing 52 items of Florida Flora and fauna - #coveinbloom 2019 (included 10+ accompanying artists)

 ·         Carpet One Jacksonville, FL Interior mural and calligraphy in main store 2020

 ·         BASCA, Inc. non-profit– 20 Ft Mural collage in new facility – 2015         

 ·         Private commission 30 ft ceiling cherub scene - Fleming Island Fl 2010

 ·         Numerous Solo Exhibits throughout NE Florida

 ·         Independent Muralist throughout Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and the First Coast 1996-2000 collaborations with decorators and clients   

Education

Undergraduate Art Studies – Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 1985-1986

BFA Graphic Design – University of Georgia, Athens, Ga 1986-1989

Non-Profit Leadership Development Program – Paul & Klare Reinhold Foundation 2018-2020 (Mercy Support Services)