Christina Thurston is a native San Diegan. She has painted murals and decorative finishes for her livelihood from 1989 to 2009. Christina began teaching art to children and adults in 2007. She is now a Master Teaching Artist with Young Audiences of San Diego and a visual arts instructor with UCSD Extension.

Her large public works include “Aloha Spirit” on Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach, murals at La Jolla Village Center, The Forum, Point Loma High School and de Portola Middle School.

As the Charge Scenic Artist for the Old Globe Theatre and Image Events, she has trained and organized teams of artists to create scenery and backdrops for productions and plays. She has also worked as a scenic artist for television episodes of Point Pleasant and Veronica Mars.

Also a Graphic Artist, she uses Adobe Creative Suites 2 to create graphics for music CD jackets and children’s books.

In keeping with her love for her native San Diego back country, Christina has helped to found a plein air painting group in Pine Valley, California, where she spends most weekends painting outdoors.

Several of her works on canvas have been purchased by private collectors from Alaska to Maine. She is the recipient of the Purple Chimney Award 2005 for her Zion Canyon diptych now in the collection of the San Diego Mesa College Learning Resource Center.

Christina has a Masters in Education: Integrated Teaching Through the Arts from Lesley University, 2011; Bachelor of Science: Major in Biology with Plant Physiology emphasis and a Minor in Chemistry from San Diego State University, 1976. She has additional courses in Art, Ceramics, Technical Illustration, Graphic Design, Computer Technology and Multimedia from SDSU, Grossmont College, Cuyamaca College and San Diego Mesa College.

She resides in San Diego and Pine Valley, California, where she continues to enjoy the activities of swimming, hiking, yoga, painting, and a new interest in ceramics. Check out her pottery website at www.pinecreekroad.us.