As the owner of a Design Studio and a multi-disciplinary artist, I’ve made it a priority to incorporate my past fine arts and corporate worlds together using new techniques and innovative materials. The years since receiving my degree in printmaking and working as a Creative Store Design Manager developing prototype stores, brought me the unique opportunity to put my artistic training and corporate to work in a wide variety of areas. After teaching at Kent State, working in advertising, and managing retail design teams, I’m currently refocused on teaching and developing VW Design Studio with a small team of collaborators focusing on public art. Through work with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., I’ve been able to both help support public art in Grand Rapids and participate as a public artist. Valerie has had several solo exhibits and group shows regionally.  She currently lives, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.