statement

Though my main research focuses on my experience as an immigrant, I continue to love and study drawings of the human figure.  I particularly love of drawings of western artists of the past, like Raphael and Ingres.  My figure drawings are an attempt to take an academic tradition and try to make it more contemporary.

I was born in Vietnam and attained a BFA and an MFA in painting in Canada and the U.S., respectively. I have been teaching drawing, painting and color theory in both undergraduate and graduate level at the University of Kansas, Wichita State University, and currently at Missouri State University as an Associate Professor. I have been recognized for my excellence in teaching with a College Teaching Award from MSU as well as been honored by the women of Alpha Delta Pi in their first Annual Faculty Recognition.  My work has been selected in prestigious competitive exhibitions throughout the US, which also has earned me several awards and recognitions from prominent jurors.  In addition, I also pursued a number of solo shows and actively gave lectures, nationally & internationally, on my traumatic escape from Vietnam and my experience as an immigrant living in the West.

bio

born: Vietnam

education

MFA, University of Connecticut

selected awards/honors

Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts- GRAPHIC AWARD, Newington, CT. 2012
1st Place. Cultural Crossroads- Associated Artists of Winston Salem.  Winston-Salem, NC. 2010
Merit Award. 11th Annual Fine Arts International. American Juried Salon-  Internet Showing. 2010
Nominated Featured Artist. Blue Canvas homepage.  June 2010

selected publications

Blue Canvas.  Issue #7. 2011
NEW AMERICAN PAINTINGS, Midwest Competition, 2008
DIRECT ART MAGAZINE, VOLUME 11. International Competition. 2005

selected group shows

101st Annual Salon- Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts. Newington, CT. 2012
National Juried 15th Annual Celebration of the Arts. The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education. Montpelier, VA. 2012
Cultural Crossroads- Associated Artists of Winston Salem.  Winston-Salem, NC. 2010
Tempo. Manifest Gallery. Cincinnati, Ohio.  2010