What did the Fellowship or Laureate mean to you at the time you received it?

It meant I could start the filming of a 15 minute 16 mm film project. I could begin making a dream a reality.

What do you do now? Has your art evolved or changed?

I am a high school teacher for American Sign Language and English. Making films has made me a better teacher. Lesson planning, filming my students as they sign their projects, classroom management, and teaching in general are similar to film making - especially directing, producing, editing, etc. I plan my own script every day in the classroom. I get to be creative. LOL.

What is one piece of advice you would give to an emerging artist?

Imagine the final product and even with baby steps, you are still moving ahead! Play with the idea everyday and place it in front of you. For example, draw a picture of you completing it, or a photo of it on the bulletin board, etc.

Briefly, how would you describe the state of the arts locally, as well as national and beyond?

We must support artists!