Theresa Milobar-McKee was born in the midwest and spent time in the mountains of Northern Idaho. Throughout her life,Theresa has always been fascinated with painting, drawing, and ceramics. Seeing the world differently beyond the surface and expressing it through the arts is partly what her work represents, especially in nature. Color, texture, and light are all part of her work. This interest was cultivated in early years as a self taught artist and further developed while attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She has completed a great deal of coursework in studio arts and earned a degree in Human Services. After working several years with persons with disabilities, mental health issues, and the aging population the skills of “seeing the world differently” began to reflect in her work. Experiencing other’s struggles and accomplishments, seeing other’s pain and joy first hand had a profound influence on her art. The images of human faces are only part of her story. As a Master Gardener, paintings of nature illuminates an appreciation of beauty that is surrounding each of us in our daily lives. Mediums employed are not limited to paint and graphite, rather she challenges herself with mixed media and is always trying new methods and techniques. Watercolor on yupo, pastels, printing, altered books, ceramic, and textiles are are incorporated in her works. Acquiring her certification as a teacher, she has taught K-12th grade Art to help students foster the same enthusiasm that she has for various mediums. A primary goal is to empower others to recognize their voice through art. In addition, she and her husband purchased and renovated a storefront building that would become the Black Lantern Collective gallery and studio. It was a place intended to bring people together to share music, ideas, and visual arts. Future goals are to encourage others to see the world differently and express them selves through various art forms. For more information about Theresa find her studio on FaceBook.