A Surprising and Deeply Grateful Nomination: Texas State Artist 2-D

Receiving unexpected news in the studio always brings a unique kind of electricity, but opening an email this week stopped me completely in my tracks. I learned that I have been nominated as a candidate for Texas State Artist 2-D!

To say I am elated is an understatement. This designation is the highest official honor bestowed by the Texas Legislature in the arts, celebrating creators who represent the rich and enduring artistic legacy of our state. Seeing artists I deeply admire, such as Miranda Lambert, Norah Jones, Letitia Huckaby, Linda Ridgway —among the past and present designees makes this recognition feel all the more surreal and humbling.

I don't yet know who submitted my nomination, but to whoever took the time and effort to put my name forward: thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Being an artist is often a quiet, deeply personal pursuit spent hours at the easel, building layers of color, texture, and light on canvas and panel. To have that work noticed and championed in this way is deeply moving. No matter what happens next in the selection process, I am profoundly grateful for this nomination and for the incredible community of collectors, students, and fellow artists who support my creative journey every single day.

Here is to continuing to create, explore, and share the beauty we find all around us.