Gehres was raised in a household where creativity thrived and has been involved in a variety of artistic pursuits throughout her life. She is a published artist, storyteller, and art historian who has studied under nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. As a young adult, she suffered from episodic migraines and seizures. In 1998 she had a severe stroke-like episode which gravely affected the left side of her body. Gehres spent two years in speech, physical and occupational therapy and another two years relearning how to hold a paintbrush and to coordinate her movement. She now paints, draws on the computer, and does “scratchboard art.” She claims, “My life as I knew it may have ended years ago, but a shot at a new life began and I am making the most of whatever life I have.” Gehres has won multiple awards for her artwork. She is a member of the International Society of Scratchboard Artists and an associate member of American Women Artists.
