Julie received her BS in Family and Consumer Sciences with her focus on Fashion Design and Merchandising.  Julie interned and worked in a costume house for a few years and fell in love with the collaborative, on the spot problem solving and imaginative environment within costuming. She worked in design, pattern making and production for several years post graduation.

After having children Julie found her passion in working and inspiring children to find and explore their imagination through different mediums.  Volunteering for years in the classroom at her children’s schools, collaborating with the classroom teacher to work on various art projects, including puppet making, props for performances, stage backdrops, upcycling projects and more. 

Julie loves the world of upcycling and was a part of the inaugural Trashion Fashion Show at The Community Center and participated in it for many years.

Finding so much joy teaching children, Julie landed the job of Arts Director and Visual Arts teacher at Sonoma Charter School in 2017, teaching students in grades TK – 8th.  Having such a wide range of age in students allows for a broad range of projects as well as inspiration from her students.  Julie loves to explore different mediums with kids, helping bring out their creativity as they explore the different mediums.  Her motto is Every child is an Artist and her job is to foster the love of creation, imagination and encourage every step of the way. 

Meret received a BFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, with a specialty in Fashion Design. While living in Italy for five years she taught Fine Arts, Textile Arts and Ceramics at the International School of Venice.
Since arriving in Sonoma County 10 years ago, she has been teaching Handwork and Ceramics at Waldorf schools and various programs in Sonoma County. This will be her third year teaching at the Sonoma Community Center.