Valerie holds a BFA in Interior Architecture and Photography from NIU and a Masters in Historic Preservation from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. As well has exhibited her Photographic work since 1996 in solo shows as well as group shows and collaborations, she has taught at RVC since 2000. She has also authored/co-authored several National Register nominations.

 

My first sojourn in art was theater and I dived in. At 30 I returned to college and earned a BFA in Interior Architecture and Photography, which I only picked up to add to the first but a flame was lit. A professor encouraged me to pursue a new Master’s program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Historic Preservation, marrying photography and architecture. I have used both as an adjunct instructor at RVC for the past 23 years. I have enjoyed showing my photographic work in solo exhibits, group shows, and some very personal collaborations. I am proud of the Historic Preservation work I have done by authoring several National Register nominations and serving on the Rockford Historic Preservation Commission. I like to think of myself as a Renaissance Woman.