Free to run across 150 acres abundant with fields of flowers and wildlife, or settling in around the light of a great walk-in fireplace to admire the Victorian decorations of the family's hand-cut Christmas tree seemed not at all out of the ordinary. It was this house, filled with antiques and love of art that prompted a classical training, both in America and abroad, leading to a series of distinguished exhibitions and commissioned public works.

Stuart majored in painting at Pratt Institute in New York City, where she spent many weekends at the Met. She attended the University of Glasgow and the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland, where she received a BFA with Honors in Drawing and Ceramic Design. She has traveled widely and worked on design projects and commissions in England, Scotland and Amsterdam.

Her creative influences are her Scottish husband, ...a true master craftsman and thinker; my best friend and most honest critic. Other influences are El Greco and Ingres, ...for breaking the rules; Elizabeth Frink, ...for her life-long dedication; Magdalena Abakononicz, a Polish artist; and Martin Puryear, a master of his craft.

After all of her travels away from home, when asked where she most likes to be, Stuart answers with an enigmatic smile: Finished a piece of work is a nice place to be...to finally realize your vision.