Chair Bio

Sue Pruett MDA a native Californian residing in Oceanside, CA for the last 36 years. Sue was married to Chris Pruett for 38 years until he passed away in December 2022.  Chris and Sue have two children, Kristina and Nicole, along with two grandchildren, Madison and Grayson.

After graduating from high school Sue went into college not knowing exactly what she wanted to study, and then Sue’s sister Connie introduced her to ‘Tole Painting’.  After taking classes for a few years Sue began to teach others.  At this time Sue did not know that her hobby would end up being her 40-year career.  Teaching is still Sue’s favorite part of being an artist and has taken Sue to countries around the world including Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand, Canada, United States, England, and Bolivia.

Always a student Sue continued taking classes from other teachers who belong to a painting organization called the ‘Society of Decorative Painters’ SDP.  Sue credits this organization for a large part of her education and knowledge from the teachers and the certification program.  Sue started her quest to become a Certified Decorative Artist in 1988 and accomplished it in 1989.  Continuing through the certification program Sue passed her Master Decorative Artist designation in 1996.  Sue has been a judge for the past 28 years, and the Certification Chairman from 2015 to 2018.

In 2007 Sue and four other artists partnered to create ‘Art Apprentice Online’ (AAO). Art Apprentice Online developed the first online painting school with over 100 classes, along with 12 digital painting magazines. After 17 years of 10+ hour days, the partners closed the business in December 2021.