Hello, I'm Sommer, but my favorite people affectionately call me Mom, Sommy, or simply b.

I've been an artist at heart since childhood, deeply influenced by my father Dana's artistic pursuits. Growing up, I was captivated by the galleries we frequented and the art studios we explored together. His passion for creation ignited my own, leading me to delve into drawing, painting, photography, and continuous learning alongside him. Our shared journey in art has been a constant source of inspiration and growth.

While my dad has always been my creative influence, it’s my mom, Jackie, who—without even realizing it—taught me one of life’s most important lessons: happiness isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you create for yourself. Be in control of your own destiny and make your own joy :)

Aside from my love for all things artsy, I harbor a strong passion for organization and analytics. I'm one of those rare individuals who engage both sides of their brain equally, always seeking to understand the "why" behind everything. As a child, I asked for an encyclopedia set for my 12th birthday, a thirst for knowledge that has evolved with the times and now finds me diving deep into the vast sea of information available through Google.

My strengths and weaknesses are intertwined, as my boundless passion for everything I do can be both a blessing and a challenge. I never relax, and I pour my heart and soul into every project, be it creative endeavors or meticulous planning, yet this intensity can sometimes lead to frustration and heartache. I'm constantly working on finding balance and embracing the journey of growth.

In my spare time, I find as much joy in a good adrenaline rush from running, yoga, kayaking, or hiking as I do indulging in painting sessions, immersing myself in books, exploring thrift stores for hidden treasures, savoring a cup of good coffee, elevating my vegetarian cooking, cherishing moments with my family and friends, or relishing in meaningful conversations over a great bottle of wine. These experiences fuel my creativity and enrich my life in profound ways, shaping the vibrant tapestry of who I am as an artist and as a person.

Since closing my beloved Art Junkie Studio, which owned my heart and soul for nearly 10 years, I’ve thrown myself into numerous commissioned paintings and murals and thrived as the Director of Marketing and Communications for a commercial real estate company and as the founder of SBW Design Studio. I'm currently writing two books—one a work of fiction, and the other a raw, unfiltered, and fiercely honest inspirational guide that tells it like it is. Still, my proudest accomplishment is my daughter, Chloe—an incredibly talented architecture and journalism student at Iowa State University who shares my creative spirit, love for BMWs, falafel, Cocker Spaniels, and all things houndstooth print. She inspires me every day.

Through a lifelong love of journaling, photography, artistic expression, and strategic marketing, I’ve had the privilege of showing others the transformative power of passion and creativity—and the incredible impact we can make when we use our creativity to be part of something bigger than ourselves. At the heart of it all is my passion as an artist. That passion took on new depth when I traded small-town life for the vibrant streets of downtown Des Moines. It was there that I discovered a love for street photography, inspired by the city’s energy and the people who bring it to life. As a committed humanitarian and storyteller, this connection sparked the creation of Downtown Living Des Moines.

-b