Years in Toledo: I grew up here, moved to Chicago for college and then lived there for about 12 years. I moved back about 5 years ago.
Occupation: Artist and owner of Fuller Art House— a gallery and design studio in downtown Sylvania.
My story, in one sentence: Artist and storyteller— just trying a little bit of everything, because why not?
One song lyric to describe my ideal self: “Living on a prayer” because that’s what happens when you try a little of everything
Most people know me for: My sense of humor, that I’m a local artist. My height? Big hair? My slogan “do it fuller,” or maybe as the illustrator for Red Bird in Sylvania?
I wish more people knew me for: My bravery. I have done a lot scared out of my mind, afraid, and oftentimes in a small panic. But I really have pushed through it, and still do. I’m more afraid than people realize, but I guess we all are at different times.
IF I could change one thing about Toledo: Transportation. When I first moved back from Chicago, I didn’t buy a car right away. I walked everywhere, and people thought I was weird. Walking is great for your health, but it’s even better for your mind. Communicating and talking to people is so good for the heart. We are cut off from that interaction because we drive everywhere.
If I could get away with it, I would have a couple of beers and sing Celine Dion in front of everyone here; then you would see just how outrageous I can be. Or maybe I have done that before?
The best view in Toledo: Sitting on my uncles boat on the river downtown. He wants to sell it, but I think it needs to stay in the family so others can enjoy it too.
Toledoan I most admire: Sharon Lange— that lady is impressive. She has changed the lives of so many and continues to. At 80-something, she has a paper route, shares our stories and cheers us on daily. She is golden. Also, Jerry Jakes. What a beautiful man… and the family he has created (with Emmy) gosh. They are all golden.
Reason I am most proud of myself: Owning and running a gallery all by myself. I have built this from the ground up with a mission to “do it fuller,” and so far I have. I even built my own sales desk and class table.
What makes me feel truly alive: Being with the people I love and being as silly as I possibly can; it’s a great freedom to be so silly and to be myself in front of people that genuinely love me for me.
The hardest decision I have made in the past year: To let go of expectations. I think when we let go of what we expect from others, we are less likely to get burned or hurt. I just need to worry about me and not have such high demands for others. It’s not right, and I need to let go of that.
When I was in High School, I probably would have been described as: A goofball. I played sports, but I was still figuring life out. Kinda awkward socially. Artist, athlete, and awkward. I guess the Three A’s!
If you could have a drink with any person or character— fictional, real, living or past— who would it be, what would you drink, and why? Probably God. I’d want to know what he/she felt about all this fighting we do in the name of “God.” I’d ask God how to make kindness, joy, respect and love for one another really happen.
