Reflections on teaching, Learning, Theater, Art, and the Slow Fashion Industry

Find me on Instagram @reindeerphile

Nov. 20-Dec. 28

My mini-books are for sale at the Washington Street Gallery in Ann Arbor. See/purchase them here.

About Me

I am what some call a multi-passionate—I have many loves and view them all as one and the same process. I paint, make books with hand-painted and hand-stitched covers, and I eco-dye textiles. My seasons are defined by which type of creating I can do—in summer and fall, I eco-dye. In winter, I paint and make small books and gifts. I try to see where I can be of use to others. Since March 2022, I have been teaching German and English (via Zoom) to refugees. I love to direct plays and write music but since retirement, I have no theater and no actors to direct, so I find scenes in what I create. I walk in nature every single day (It is an addiction.). Walking and making art give me perspective on everything I do and both provide me with opportunities to reflect.

In June 2020, I retired from a long teaching career in the Intensive German Program at the University of Michigan Residential College, where I founded the UM RC Deutsches Theater, directed over 50 German-language productions (1985-2019), and led students on theater and art study trips to Germany (2002-2020) and served as an academic advisor. I loved teaching and loved having a career that allowed me to grow; I continue to do so now! My latest passion is eco-dyeing textiles and supporting the slow fashion industry, creating one-of-a-kind garments that

My research and teaching focus was on integrating the arts into the second language learning experience; I taught interdisciplinary courses (in German and in English) that often involved improvisation for the stage, the page, and speaking. I loved teaching in the University of Michigan Residential College, where I served as German Program Director from 1988-2020 and was also an academic advisor. Both of these roles gave me opportunities to talk to students about language learning, identity, the value of travel and study abroad, and more.

I hope you’ll enjoy exploring my site which contains photo and video documentation of plays I have directed, as well as samples of photography, art, books, and eco-dyed garments I make. Thank you for the time you spend visiting my site!