My love for decorating began early at the age of ten when surprised with a "new" second-hand bedroom set and given a few dollars to decorate my room as I wished. It was the start of a passion that only grew bigger. "Joan Bishop Interiors", one of my many dreams, became a reality in 2007 after a very successful career teaching art as well as administrating the high school art departments. In 1987, while on sabbatical from teaching, I earned a Master's Degree from Rhode Island School of Design focusing on painting & printmaking. At the time I continued to transform my 1860's carriage house and gardens while taking frequent trips to NYC in search of having a one-women show of my art. I continued to teach art until 2001 then moved on and worked in various other venues in the arts. Over the years I have shown my work in galleries, museums, and shows, been a decorating consultant for a very successful business, been a member of several galleries, and have traveled and enjoyed the cultures of over 20 countries. I have a passion for France that lead me to establish an Art/French Exchange Program for high school students that lasted more than 10 years. I continue to travel, create art, re-imagine and work on my carriage house and gardens, and am always inspired by beauty and great design everywhere.