ABOUT THE ARTIST AND HER PAINTING:

My name is Georgena Askew. I have been a lifelong resident of El Paso. I received my bachelor's degree from UTEP in El Paso, Texas and my Masters degree from Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas. I have taught in the public schools and for the El Paso Community College for over 26 years. I've taught several subjects including art, drama, music and bilingual kindergarten (Español/English) and worked for ten years as an elementary school librarian.

I am also a dancer, performing Irish step dancing, Middle Eastern (belly dancing), international folk, ballroom and Latin dancing. I have won several competitions for Middle Eastern and ballroom dance.

Since 1990, I've worked as a professional face painter doing festivals, craft fairs, grand openings, corporate picnics, special events and birthday parties. All of my face/body painting is done free hand with hypo-allergenic paints which are formulated for safe use on children's sensitive skin.

I also do henna tattoos, which are done freehand as well. There are two types of henna (temporary tattoo) designs. I use both, colored henna and the more traditional style of reddish-brown Mehandi Henna.

Presently, I am working part-time for the city of El Paso Arts in Education program doing face-painting, storytelling workshops, etc. for lower elementary students. I also have a workshop, Developing the Right Side of the Brain, geared to upper elementary and middle school students. I am also available to present a workshop for teachers on Developing the Right Side of the Brain.

In the summer, I work with the public library's summer reading program doing face-painting and storytelling/dance performances.