Julie Marie Pridgen grew up in northern Minnesota just south of the Canadian border. Surrounded by a large wilderness area, Julie grew up appreciating the wild landscape and the creatures which wandered on to the small farm owned by her grandparents. Julie studied Fine Art while living in Europe and completed her BFA at Murray State University including a summer in Italy, immersed in art history. When asked what inspires her, Julie spreads her arms, looks around and says "everything and everyone." She has mastered many mediums, both in 2D and 3D and takes on each new project's challenges with excitement and energy. Julie is a certified Art Teacher and currently teaches at Weston Middle School as well as afternoon classes at Pendleton Center for the Arts. In addition she is on the Oregon Art Education Association board and the National Art Education Advisory Committee.