Patricia Lindgren is Barrington Cultural Arts Center's February Artist of the Month

Patricia Lindgren is Barrington Cultural Arts Center's February Artist of the Month.

Lindgren's life has been filled with opportunities and experiences. Raised by parents who gave her dance, art, music and love in abundance plus a fun "Our Miss Brookes" type of science teacher who made exploring the scientific world exciting, she grew up with diverse interests.

These interests resulted in graduating from Northwestern University with a double major in science and art and certifications to teach both. Her first real job was as an analytical chemist, followed by a career as a secondary level science teacher, ballet teacher and performer and a Flamenco dancer.

She, then, took a big leap of faith because she wanted to do something for her country, she joined the Illinois Army National Guard as this state's first female commissioned officer. Before she knew it, 24 plus years zoomed by and she retired from the Army Reserves as a "Bird" Colonel.

Another career was initiated (she doesn't require a lot of sleep), that of a managing real estate broker in Illinois as well as opening her own realty company in Wisconsin. Then the economic slowdown came and more time opened up. Her husband, who had been after her for some time, suggested that she start painting again. So she began to put her art training, study with Frankie Johnson at Main Street Art Center, and other accomplished artist workshops to use. Currently she is working primarily in oils and has been doing a series of dancers. When she works on these canvasses, she states that she actually feels as though she is dancing...it is a continuing passion. When she needs a break, she finds landscapes relaxing and atmospheric. To be able to create whether through painting or dance, is a blessing she treasures.