By Linda Michael

For Mandy Tolliver, Foothills Gallery’s featured artist for March, art has been a source of “comfort, joy, and sometimes, frustration.”

Tolliver grew up outside a small town in the Florida panhandle, where she spent most of her time outdoors. Her mother has a degree in fine art from Louisiana State University, and “definitely had a hand in” not only her love of nature, but also her love of capturing nature’s beauty.

“At this point in life, my ability to devote a large amount of time to creating art does wax and wane,” Tolliver stated. “Being a mother of three boys, an active duty military spouse, a nurse, involved with church, schools, and our wonderful FAA, I wear many hats, and (mostly) can juggle them well. However, I look forward to a time when I can devote more time to developing the kernel of natural talent I was given. The Foothills Art Association is such a rich resource, with so many experienced and talented members, and I do my best to absorb as much as I can from some truly wonderful mentors. I look forward to our future together (however long that may be) and I value each and every one of you.”

Meet Mandy Toliver and enjoy her artwork at an artist’s reception on Saturday, March 9, 2-4 p.m. at the Foothills Gallery in La Mesa’s Porter Hall, 4910 Memorial Drive.

— Linda Michael is editor of Footnotes, the newsletter of the Foothills Art Association.