about me

Evelyn is originally from New Jersey and Delaware, and has now lived in the Sarasota/Manatee county area of Florida for over 25 years. She received a Bachelors Degree from the University of Delaware and has also attended The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and Ringling College of Art and Design.

In 1984 Evelyn began exploring the world, visiting 48 of the 50 states as a scenic artist with Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus, and through extensive travel as management for the Disney Stores. She now continues to explore the country through the educational and conservation efforts of Haai, Inc. Shark Encounter, the family business.  Evelyn’s travels throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico and Canada along with a year residency in Japan have shown a wide diversity of life and given her the opportunity to share experiences through art.

Evelyn’s work is represented by Rhea Chiles’ Studio at Gulf and Pine on Anna Maria Island Florida and held in private collections throughout the US, Australia, France, Spain and the Netherlands. She serves on the governing board of Myakka River State Park with a dedication to bring artists and nature together. WILD: Artists and Animals of Myakka, an annual fundraiser featuring top artists of the Sarasota area is curated by Evelyn.

An Artist Rescue

In 2007 Evelyn adopted a nine year old Boxer female named Tilly through Florida Boxer Rescue. She wanted to help this wonderful organization but realized she would be a “Foster Flunky,” keeping any Boxer in search of a “furever” home, so she decided to help them through her art. Evelyn annually donates a custom pet portrait to the “Boxer Bash.” In 2010 she  created the event theme and image, “A New Leash on Life,” for the annual Art of Rescue fund raising event.

For “A New Leash on Life,” Evelyn wanted to represent the joy of new experience and love these Boxers feel when rescued. She is in awe of the work and sacrifice members of Florida Boxer Rescue make each day to help the wonderful animals who rely on them for their care and well-being. Each of the Boxers in this painting are rescues who have come to know these wonderful people and have all found their “furever homes.” The final image portrays the joy we all hope to experience in our lives.

Evelyn shares her 12-acre home Barking Dog Ranch, with her husband Philip, two dogs, visiting horses, sharks, and the occasional sea lion visiting from next door. Her life is a menagerie of the people, places and happenings of a distinctive south Florida experience.