Brenda Marie (Hamelink) DeZeeuw, Born in September of 1974. I grew up on the edge of a subdivision between sidewalk-lined blocks and retreating farms. I spent most of my Summer days enjoying the lake. When I wasn't swimming, I was climbing trees and picking wildflowers in the alfalfa field beyond our neighborhood. Many days were filled with imagination and creativity. Ever inspired by the Seasons, I built tree-forts in the Summer and snow-forts in the Winter. I crushed stones on the warm asphalt to make my own chalk, and peppered the lakeshore with mudpies and sand castles.  If the weather forced me inside, I spent hours drawing, creating paper puppets, and transforming recycled cardboard. I started drawing horses from the time I could hold a pencil; their beauty, heart, and strength still inspire me today. Creativity was respite, outdoors was peace, and horses were freedom. There, in a space of introspection and Art-making, I discovered my Art Niche. Many years later, inspired by my Grandaddy’s joy for Art, I melded Art and Academics with a BA in Art Education. It is my vocation to share my Artistic gift with others and help them discover how to claim their own Art Niche.