Education you ask?

Well Yes, of course! And some!!!

Fine Art:. I took private oil painting lessons, along with classes at Henry Ford Community College, and Wayne County Community College. I found some of these college classes annoying. I once had a teacher that was very critical of my style and tried to change it.That caused problems for me for while. I was at a point in my life where I was developing my style and this teacher really confused me. I couldn't paint for a while after that, until I was able to forget about the impression he left on me and get back to how I wanted to paint.

Eventually I switched to acrylic paint due to allergies from oil and its mediums. I have been painting in Acrylic for over 20 years now, and have become very fond of them.

Graphic Art & Design: I have my degree in graphic art and design. I actually went back to school when my daughter Jessica, started college. She thought it would be great for me to finish my degree and we could do this together. So I thought "What the heck!" I always thought I was to old to go back to school, but she gave me the confidence I needed to get back to it. I was really glad I did it and I have her to thank!

Graphic art and design was something always I had a passion for besides fine art. Once I turned on my first Mac computer though, I was completely hooked!

BAZL Handbag Designer: This is a pecular story and I will give you the short version.

I never did sew and never really wanted to. My mother was the one who expressed her artistic talents through sewing and boy could she sew. She would always say, "Beverly, I wish you would learn to sew!" Unfortunately she passed away in Februrary 2006 and I inhereted her sewing machine.

Well, we stared at each for days, weeks, months.(the sewing machine and I) I wanted to do something with it so bad to carry on my mothers passion.I couldn't bear to just pack it up and put it away and I would never give it to someone else! So I decided to combine painting with sewing. I started to paint on canvas and sew simple bags. Soon the idea got attention which then led me to want to learn to sew leather. I experimented alot and made many prototypes until I came up with a bag that I loved. I decided to name the bag with my initials: Beverly Ann Zajac Larsen ;BAZL! Now I understand my mom's passion for sewing and love sewing myself!My mother-in-law keeps saying "Your mom would be so proud" and I hope she is.

Music: I took piano lessons as a child and vocal lessons as an adult. I am self taught on guitar and earned my guitar and sound system by bartering with a local music store. I painted murals in his store and he supplied me with my Tacoma guitar, amp and speakers!

Accomplishments?

Yes, I have had a few.

Fine Art Awards:

First Place Non Professional "Self Portrait"

Detroit Ethnic Festival, Hart Plaza

Best of Show, "Hickory's Ridge",

Views & Visions Juried Art Competition, VFAA

A featured artist in:

The Artists Project

The exhibit, and book featuring photographs of over 100 artists in the Huron Valley area, by photographer Jerry  & Lori Paas.

Village Fine Art Association

Member since 2000

Music Awards:

First Place, for "Unfinished"

Songwriting contest for "The River" Radio station, Detroit/Windsor.

Second Place Vocals Award, "Excuse Me"

iCompositions Independant Music - 2004.

Music Producer:

Celtic Kettle Coffee House.org

A local coffeehouse concert venue that brings the area's best musicians. Hosting a wide variety of cultural music including, blues, folk, bluegrass, jazz, contemporary rock and more.