about

Today, I have time to express myself creatively on the page as well as the canvas, but it wasn't always that way. Almost every day, I wrote or made something or other, but most of it was for me alone. You will fight with me on this, and I will take you on (haha!), but I believe we are all pulled to create. It just shows up differently for each of us and in a multitude of ways. For me, my need to bring something from my imagination into existence comes from my soul as well as from my family.

My mother was an artist and teacher, and my father was a journalist before becoming a successful business leader. I share the creative inheritance they provided with my brother, who is a filmmaker and writer. When we were children visiting our grandmother, she'd let us stay up all night as long as we were reading. She had an expansive book collection that included my mother's childhood books, my grandfather's medical journals, American and English literature, vintage cookbooks, a massive collection of mysteries and romance novels, and tons of National Geographics. If that wasn't enough, we visited the library every few days. Throughout our childhood (which was fraught with loss and grief - but never lacked love), we spent a lot of time in creative pursuits, moving our bodies (tennis and basketball for my brother, horseback riding and dance for me), and visiting museums, zoos, and nature sites. When I was in high school, my dad had a dear friend with the best art supply store in Houston. He'd bring me the most wonderful materials, way out of my league (I still have the ink pens and nibs today). Dad even met an artist and persuaded him to give me watercolor lessons. I was encouraged to pursue art in college, and when I landed on art history, no one in my family asked me why. They just supported and celebrated what I loved to do. I was so fortunate. So how did I get from there to here?

Those experiences and more (career pivots, raising children - the best! - and collaborating on elder care for my grandmother) provided the underpinnings of a lifelong desire to write stories and create pictures, usually on my own, and always with little fanfare. I may not be the gallery owner I thought I would be or the author with a long list of publications I envisioned (yet), but my writing abilities have served me in professional communications, marketing, public relations, and philanthropy, and my artistic interests have allowed me to connect with groups of all ages and ability levels. This fall (2026), you'll find me covered in paint and glue while I work with my young students. You'll also find me collaborating with my partners at Journey Together Dallas, (a start-up nonprofit with a goal of empowering and supporting families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other diseases that cause dementia). Overall, you'll see me seeking ways to share more of my work - both pen and brush. Have any ideas or suggestions? Reach out! (ashthamesbrown@gmail.com). 

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In my home life, my husband and I "empty-nest" in Dallas, Texas. He works from home with our hyper-friendly golden retriever as his assistant (Ozzie sends great Teams messages).  We are so lucky to enjoy two grown daughters and a son-in-law who live nearby. I am so grateful to my family and friends for their support (and for the experiential material they often provide). And I am thankful to my amazing writing circle and to our leader and coach, celebrated author Carmen Goldthwaite (find her books and workshops here), for guidance, insight, and inspiration.  It goes without saying - I hope - that I am thankful for YOU! Thank you for coming to my site, and if you've made it this far, let me know, and I will take you out for tea or coffee when you're in Dallas! Cheers!

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EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Arts, Art History, Texas Christian University​

The Writer's Path, Southern Methodist University, Simmons School of Education & Human Development​

Interior Design Post Graduate Certificate, University of Houston

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

- Early Childhood Art Teacher, The Children's Center, Dallas, Texas (current)

- Chief Advancement Officer: Fund development initiatives, non-profit and senior living marketing, organizational communications, advancement team development; Development Director: Content creation, digital marketing, volunteer coordinator, Juliette Fowler Communities​

- Higher Education Regional Development Director: Major gifts officer, Texas Christian University​

- Museum Assistant/Curatorial Support: The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and Rienzi Center for European Decorative Arts, Museum of Fine Arts Houston​

- Fine Jewelry Sales, Merchandising, Bridal Registry, Customer Service: Tiffany and Co., Dallas

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ART:

- Juried Shows and Installations: Dallas Public Library (Lakewood Branch), The Cedars Art Gallery (Water), Dallas Bathhouse Cultural Center (Dia De Los Muertos), Unity on Greenville, Starbucks (Wilshire Heights)

- Donations: Jill Allison Bryan's "Infinite Possibilities ~ A Night of Music, Art & Women Helping Women," Chase's Place Special Needs School (Dallas), Mockingbird Elementary (DISD), Greenland Hills UMC Missions, Dallas Resource Center (LGBTQIA+ Services & Assistance)

- Panel Participant: "Who Does She Think She Is?" screening, Pamela Tanner Boll and Nancy C. Kennedy's inspiring documentary about artists who are mothers, Deep Ellum, Dallas

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LEADERSHIP AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH:

- Spiritual Lesson-Creator and Group Leader: "Zuzu's Petals: Women's Spirituality Group," (GHUMC, Dallas, Texas)

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OLDER ADULT & DEMENTIA INITIATIVES:

- Advancement Volunteer and Co-Founder: Journey Together Dallas (current)

- Volunteer & Co-Creator: "Artful Awakenings" Therapeutic Art for Individuals Experiencing Dementia

BLOGGER:

Earliest Ashley, Polite Rebellion, Heirloom Apparent 

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