Tell us more about you and your life, your profession, and your successes.
I spent my adolescence and young adult life in Dayton, Ohio. After receiving my B.F.A. with a concentration in painting from Wright State, I moved to the west coast where I spent a few years moving around. I eventually settled in Portland, Oregon. I've gotten to show and sell my artwork in a number of venues over the past six years. Some highlights include creating public murals, participating in group shows, and spending more than three years working in locally-owned art supply stores in Long Beach, California and Portland. I have expanded my working knowledge, as well as learned from other artists. I recently celebrated my one-year work anniversary with a local novelty sock company and I love using my combined work and art experience to connect with others and make a positive impact.
What is your favorite Wright State memory?
There were many great memories—I met one of my best friends, Megan Smallwood, through the fine arts program. Megan still resides in Dayton and is an instructor for Decoy Art Studio since graduating with me in 2012. She also recently became an instructor at Stivers School for the Arts (congratulations Megan!). I would have to say that getting to spend a month studying abroad in Europe thanks in part to ARTSGALA patrons was a stand-out component of my education. As for memories that took place on campus, I know Megan and I loved getting to participate in a showing of our sculptural work together in the experimental gallery. I enjoyed taking classes with many instructors—Penny Park, Andy Dailey, Jean Koeller, and Karla Huebner's teachings still resonate with me, among others.
What did receiving the ARTSGALA scholarship mean to you?
The generous donations of ARTSGALA patrons contributed to my receiving a well-rounded college education. It's incredible that Dayton has so many people dedicated to the prosperity and continuity of the local liberal arts community.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I would just like to say thank you to everyone who had a hand, however small, in my time at Wright State. My mother, Sandy Trimboli, worked at Wright State for a number of years. She told me she specifically looked for work there because she wanted her children to have the option of receiving a quality, affordable education, and I know my options would have been limited if she had not done this. Sandy graduated from Wright State with her bachelor's degree in English while she was an employee of the college. She passed away in 2016, and her colleagues came to give their condolences at her memorial service. It meant a lot to our family, and I know she is missed by those at Wright State that knew her. I thank my mother especially for always supporting my dreams and passion for art.
