about sandra

I was born and raised in El Dorado Springs, a small Missouri town known for its healing spring water. Growing up on a dairy farm, I learned valuable lessons in responsibility and hard work.

After graduating high school in 1964, I enrolled in Southwest Missouri State University, majoring in art despite not knowing the career opportunities it held. Supported by my parents and encouraged by my high school art teacher, I explored various art forms in college, including drawing, painting, weaving, graphic design, and sculpture. I won several awards for my fiber designs and developed a keen interest in graphic design, learning from an inspiring professor. While finishing my classes, I worked as a layout artist at an advertising agency in Springfield, gaining valuable experience and later handling design work for local clients. Mid-summer, I was approved for an Assistantship at the University of Kansas design department, prompting me to leave the agency and pursue my master's degree.

In late summer 1968, I moved to Lawrence, Kansas to pursue a Master of Fine Arts, teaching Freshman design and textile/weaving classes through an Assistantship. During my second year, I worked as a layout artist and darkroom technician at a printing company, which supported my thesis on "Photo-Graphics" and allowed me to use the darkroom for my art.

After earning two college degrees, I moved back home to find the perfect job. Eventually, I secured a position as a Layout Artist for American Polled Hereford World in Kansas City, where I was later promoted to Art Director before moving to Texas in 1975.

I started working as a layout artist and media coordinator for an agency specializing in cattle ranches. Alongside my job, I continued creating custom macrame textile hangings and 3D sculptures under "Walden Originals." Eventually, I saw a need for a local advertising agency and, with my husband's support, decided to start my own business.

I started Charter Art in 1980 with the vision of charting the advertising and marketing course for my clients. Initially operating from a small office, the business grew rapidly, adding more artists, a computerized typesetter, and a darkroom, becoming a full-service agency. My husband joined me, and together we expanded Charter Art, moving to larger spaces and establishing it as a top production studio in Arlington. As technology evolved, so did our services, but eventually, I realized the importance of balancing career with other aspects of life, especially after having two children and being active in community service.

I transitioned to public education, becoming a junior high visual arts teacher in 2000. I remained at the same school for 23 years, sharing my art experience and country background with students, many of whom grew to appreciate the value of art through my classes. My dedication to teaching helped students express their creativity and understand the importance of visual arts in everyday life. Many of my students earned numerous awards and recognition as well as went on to pursue a careers in fine arts.

After 23 years of teaching art, I decided to retire and embark on a new artistic endeavor as a public art tour guide at AT&T Stadium. This new passion allows me to share my art experience with adults, discussing the importance of art and the incredible collection housed in the stadium.