Arts Ed Institute 2025

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, I moved to the States, when I was 5, where I grew up in Schaumburg, IL. I graduated from Schaumburg High School and two years later received Associates in Arts & Science with an emphasis in Art at Harper Community College in 1993. During this time I joined the Army National Guard and was stationed in Elgin. After six years I was Honorably Discharged as an (E-5) Sergeant.

While in the Army National Guard I earned a Bachelors` in Fine Art Studio/Painting at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1995. Two years later I would earn another Bachelors' in Fine Art Secondary Education. I am currently the Fine Arts Department Chair at Oswego High School and one of the art instructors.
Besides being a Secondary Teacher of Art, Department Chair of the Fine Arts, Advocacy Sponsor for the Illinois Art Education Association, and Sponsor for the National Art Honor Society Chapter, I continue to pursue making artwork personally and professionally.