Julie is an accomplished artist and educator who has made a significant impact in both the art world and her local community. After graduating with a BA and AA in Interior Design from California State University, Long Beach, she quickly transitioned into teaching fine art to children and teens at a private school for approximately 5 years. During this time, she enhanced her own skills through fine art classes at a private school in Pasadena, focusing on learning Renaissance style art through master reproductions, still life’s, and live model classes.

When her son was born, Julie decided to open her own art school, Artful Minds, which she ran for five additional years. She continued to nurture talent at Artful Minds, and offered a variety of art classes for children, teens, and adults, including special programs such as "Mommy and Me" classes, summer camps, and private lessons. She employed 3 additional art teachers during this time. Her experience and techniques in fine art blossomed, and her work caught the attention of businesses and private clients in the South Bay and Los Angeles area, leading to numerous commissions for murals and paintings.

While living on the Esplanade in Redondo Beach, Julie became affectionately known as a "mermaid" due to her long blonde hair, affinity for the sea and her unique, free-spirited presence. This nickname stuck and has become an integral part of her artistic identity.

Julie’s versatility as an artist spans a range of mediums and content, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, and photography including sea animals, mermaids, dogs, people, birds, landscapes, and more. She tends to paint with a colorful explosion and has added her signature “bleeding” techniques to many pieces. Her work continues to inspire those who engage with it, reflecting her deep passion for creativity and her lifelong dedication to the arts.

In 2024, she fulfilled a 25 year dream of making a children’s book. Along with the inspiration of her rescue dog and her friends, Bella the Merdog was created. Book can be purchased as well as watercolor art from the illustrations.

She is currently working on a mermaid series and wishes to have an underwater art show in September of 2025.