Mimi Almonroeder

As a young girl, Mimi was surrounded by numerous artistic family
members...her mother, aunt, and several cousins, all graduated from college with varying degrees in art. Mimi naturally wanted to mimic them and began drawing her favorite animals, horses. She enjoyed art all through her school years and pursued art education in college, graduating from Carthage College, Kenosha, Wisconsin.

For the next 34 years, Mimi primarily focused her artistic talents on
teaching. She taught art to students at the high school and middle school level. In May of 2000, she earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. She retired from teaching in 2016. 

The pet portrait theme evolved when Mimi’s own two dogs became part of the family. When asked, “Why pet portraits?“ Mimi replied, “I started drawing and painting pets when I felt emotionally compelled to create art with my own dogs as the subject matter. As my two Standard Dachshunds, Zorba and Zia, began to age, I wanted to try preserve their sweet faces, capture their special expressions and unique characters.That is the essence of what I want to accomplish with all of my pet portraits. I have been fortunate to work with numerous clients from my home town, Alton, Illinois. Their reactions, whether tears or smiles, is evidence to me that I have been successful. Drawing and painting pets enriches my life too, as I am witness to unconditional love.”