Doretta Fowler

1st - 6th Art

My name is Doretta Fowler. This is my first year with LAHA as the Art tutor for grades 1-6 and I would like to share a little bit of my background with you. 

I was born in California but raised in Lansing, Michigan since I was 2 years old. I was raised in a Christian home. I believed in Jesus at an early age. I committed my life to Him and was baptized at the age of 8.  I graduated from Lansing Christian High

 School in 1988. 

One thing about growing up in a relationship with Christ is that any choice I made was done with my eyes open, without excuse. This kept me on the straight and narrow most of the time, but there were times I ignored the small still voice of conviction to feed the flesh. Praise the Lord He does not allow His children to dwell in sin. It would not be long before this clay landed back on the Potter’s table where the air pockets of my rebellion were kneaded out and I called out in repentance. He is a God of mercy and restoration.

Art was always my method of expression and relaxation growing up. I knew I had been given a skill, but I did not know how God wanted me to use it. After high school, I took some art classes at LCC, but it did not take long to see the world’s version of art was ungodly. I attempted to take Psychology classes believing I could help others. I walked out of the first class when the instructor asked us to explain nature vs nurture without mentioning God or the Bible. I spent the next 12 years in custodial work and odd jobs. I wandered without direction until my mother asked me to partner with her in opening a salon and worked along-side her for five years. I still longed to work in art. I decided to go back to school at age 33 to become a sign language interpreter which is a form of visual art. The year I completed my certification, my mother passed and then my father not long after.

I continued interpreting in the public schools and universities for the next 20 years and taught Sign language at LCC. During that time, I fostered infants to two years old in emergency situations. One infant, born 8 weeks early and with addiction, was brought to my home and I was asked if I wanted to adopt. I knew how the system worked, and the challenges they have finding homes for children with pre-existing conditions. This sweet girl could be raised by the government or in a God-fearing home. After seeking God’s guidance, I adopted my daughter in 2013 and with my experience in public education, I decided to homeschool. 

In 2019, God, once again, uprooted and replanted me when my brother became mentally and physically disabled. I left my interpreting career to take care of him full time. Six years later, 2025, the Lord opened the door for me at LAHA to serve Him artistically and share the years of growth and understanding I gained in my long walk with Him. I am excited for this gracious opportunity, and I am blessed to get to serve Him and you in this way.