Kansas roots, lifelong practice
Patricia grew up in Kansas, where wide-open landscapes, quiet
routines, and a deep sense of place shaped the way she sees and
makes work. From early on, she built her voice as an artist
through steady practice—drawing, painting, and learning how to
translate feeling into form. That foundation still shows up in
the work today: patient surfaces, intentional choices, and a
commitment to craft. Alongside her studio practice, she also
creates commissioned art for people who want a piece made with
meaning, not just decoration.
Meeting Billy Mills at KU
While at the University of Kansas, Patricia met Billy Mills.
Their relationship became the beginning of a shared life shaped
by creativity, movement, and purpose—one that expanded how she
thought about identity, history, and story. Over time, her work
grew to hold more than personal expression; it became a space to
explore culture, memory, and the lived identities of Native
American peoples. Drawing inspiration from many sources,
Patricia’s art reflects both her own perspective and a continual
desire to learn, listen, and create with respect.
From Fair Oaks to Sacramento
Patricia has carried her work into many settings. She has taught
art on cruise ships, shared her paintings with new audiences,
and exhibited at the California State Fair. For a time, she also
owned a studio in Fair Oaks, where she welcomed the community
through paint-and-sip classes and hands-on creative experiences.
Today, her practice continues in the Sacramento area—balancing
ongoing studio work with commission art for collectors and
clients who want something personal, made locally, and built to
last.
