AN ARTIST WITH A STRONG CREATIVE STREAK, Sally’s talent is reflected in her lovely home and garden. As mother of three grown children, she values her family deeply. She and her husband, Anthony, enjoy socializing with friends, walking their dog, attending cultural events, and cooking together.
The third generation Californian has lived most of her life in Northern California. With a BS degree from UC Davis in environmental planning and management, she practiced landscape design and planning for 10 years. When her first child was born, she became a stay-at-home mother, eventually volunteering in her children’s schools.
Always attracted to botanical art, Sally took her first botanical art course at a local college. We met shortly afterward and she became a student of mine for the next seven years. Her keen interest and talent quickly became evident. She received a Botanical Art Certificate from Filoli in 2010 and started teaching the following year.
For Sally, 2020 was an artistically successful year! Two of her paintings were accepted into major exhibitions: Garrya elliptica ‘Evie’ in the 23rd Annual International Exhibition and Sorghum bicolor in Abundant Future, the NYBG Fourth Triannual Exhibition.
Describing herself as an artist, Sally states, “I don’t feel I’ve found my voice just yet, but I do have a style all my own. My goal now is to create a body of work that is accurate while also beautiful, striking while thought-provoking, and a pleasure for both me and the viewer.” Sally, I think you are well on your way!
A “doer who appreciates collaborating on a team toward a common goal,” Sally sought to find deeper meaning as an artist. Her involvement began with leading the formation of the Northern California Society of Botanical Artists. NCalSBA board member Nina Antze says, “In the 15 years I have known Sally, I have been continually impressed and inspired by her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to working toward our mission of supporting botanical art and artists in Northern California.”
After seven years as NCalSBA’s president, Sally was ready to work at the national level. She joined ASBA’s board in 2013 and has been a force majeure ever since! She was the first co-editor of the Highlights newsletter and was on the Strategic Plan team. She became ASBA President in 2017 and currently serves on the Executive Committee, among several other committees. She was instrumental in securing Marin Art & Garden Center as a West Coast venue for the Annual International exhibitions.
ASBA Director Jody Williams perfectly sums up why Sally received the 2022 James White Service Award for Dedication to Botanical Art: “Sally has stepped up so often to take on many different organizational roles, each of which she has carried out with dedication, thoughtfulness, and resolve. ASBA has benefited greatly from her time, energy, and talent, and I am thankful for our ongoing friendship.”