Drawing on her training as an illustrator, Christy uses an array of media (acrylic, collage and drawing media) along with a finely honed visual vocabulary to connect with viewers on multiple levels. Over the years her work has embraced bott subject based and abstraction, as she pushes the process of playing with line and shape and fields of color. Compositions both large and small invite the viewer to approach, investigate, and discover the surprisingly sophisticated mark-making that is visible only from an intimate distance. Christy received her BFA in Illustration from Kendall College of Art and Design (Grand Rapids) in 1992. Shortly after, she relocated to San Francisco and found work in the “Multimedia Gulch” at a small software company as a digital illustrator. In 1996, she moved to Long Beach to pursue her master’s degree at California State University. The experience broadened her perceptions of what it means to be an illustrator and fine artist. Under the guidance of an exceptional mentor, Christy fine-tuned her skills and began to embrace the idea of becoming a fine art painter. She is inspired by mid-century modern design, children’s book illustration from the 1960’s, fashion, and interior design. Upon receiving her MFA, she traveled the country for a while and then resettled back in Grand Rapids. Christy taught illustration for a few years at Kendall College of Art and Design. She now lives in Spring Lake, Michigan where she makes things and teaches others how to make things in her home studio. (Olli the pug helps out where he can).