Originally from Mahopac, NY, a rural area just north of NYC and the last stop on the Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem Line, I graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI, in 2000 with degrees in Architecture and Fine Arts.

On my second day at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in NYC, I left my first architecture job to catch a plane to Seattle, WA. There, I started oil painting, played soccer four times a week, honed my skills as a pool player, and spent half a decade designing medical office buildings before discovering my passion for residential architecture.

Since moving to San Luis Obispo, CA in 2007, my focus has since shifted predominantly to kids, trail running, and large-scale multi-family housing, though I continued to paint occasionally. In 2023, I made the decision to move into my accessory dwelling unit and rent out my main house to generate additional income. This change allowed me to reduce my work hours and dedicate specific days solely to art.

The support and warmth of the art community in San Luis Obispo County have been incredibly uplifting. I am thrilled by the new opportunities and connections this has brought into my life. As a proud member of the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council Board, I am dedicated to helping grow our vibrant artist community. I am excited to see where this journey will lead!

— Jessie