"My art career began when I was able to hold a crayon. It peaked early, when I was a senior in High School. That's when I received the Chicago Daily News "Youth Achievement Award in Art" at the Civic Opera House from then Senator John F. Kennedy. However, once I began college to pursue my other, more "practical" passion, Psychology, "Art" became relegated to a "hobby".

After my children completed their University education, and feeling I had come to the end of major financial obligations, I returned to my first passion on a full time basis.

I began by spending a month in Italy painting watercolors in Venice and the Cinque Terra, where, on the beach at Monterossa, I sold the painting I was working on at the time, and a few days later, a second as well. I had now officially entered my new career as an artist.

Invigorated and with renewed confidence, I returned home to curate an exhibit with fellow artists who were also therapists entitled, "The Art of the Therapist". It was great fun, and the excellent coverage by the Chicago Tribune was icing on the cake!

While my career as a full time artist has only spanned the past four years, I have exhibited in 15 juried shows and art fairs, have won two awards, have been featured in two newspaper articles, a local cable show, and a half hour television program on HGTV entitled "The Good Life". After so many years of dreaming it, a career in Art has become a reality!

My work as a therapist has influenced my art. Most people seeking therapy are focused on the pain and negative aspects of their lives. One element of healing in psychotherapy is to help the client look at their life in new ways."
                                                                               -Sumner