Ten years ago Patrice Federspiel visited Hawai'i for the first time. The oldest of six children, she had lived all of her life in Wisconsin. Her trip to Hawai'i was meant to be a personal spiritual quest; she had no intention of staying...but, the last day of her visit proved to be the impetus for the beginning of her life as an Island artist. Within five months of her Hawai'i experience, Patrice had quit her job, sold her house, and moved to Hawai'i to pursue her life-long dream of living her life as an artist.

Today Patrice is a Signature Member of the Hawai'i Watercolor Society with whom she exhibits twice annually. She paints before the public at Waikiki hotels and also teaches watercolor art to students ranging from 5–85 years of age.

Patrice believes that one doesn't need to know or be able to structure all the steps required to achieve their dreams. "One simply needs to trust in their dream, to always believe and have confidence in their strongest desires; to pursue with dedicated faith and perseverance. And you must always maintain your bravery and willingness to take risks." She suggests that, "Achieving your dream is always about putting one foot in front of the other - over and over and over again. When you are receptive to things that may magically appear upon your pathway, your opportunities will surely arrive. It is up to you to take those steps, ,and be ready and able to discover the opportunities within yourself!"

Patrice's art may be found at: the Robyn Buntin Gallery, Kuloko Arts, Nohea Galleries, Na Mea Native Books, Island Treasures, and Global Creations. Visit her at www.artofaloha.com and sign up for her email magazine.

Visit Patrice in Booth 93