Vicki Botta, Neighbor

Vicki Botta has been called a Renaissance woman at times by those who know her as an artist, musician, potter, weaver, spinner, knitter and of course as a freelance writer. She has a B.A. in English and Journalism from C.W. Post Center of L.I.U., a Masters in Education from Cambridge College and is dually certified to teach both English, grades 7-12 and Music, grades K-12.

Before becoming a teacher, Vicki worked as a commercial artist, specializing in architectural rendering and technical illustration. She was commissioned by Goshen Restoration to illustrate how proposed buildings would look under their direction. She has had two solo watercolor exhibitions, one at Art and Soul Gallery in Goshen and another at the Lycian Theatre in Sugar Loaf and is a member of the Arts Council.  She taught drawing and painting briefly after the birth of her son in 1993.

In 1999 Vicki began her freelance writing career and at the same time was recruited to develop a string orchestra program for Goshen Central School District. She took over the fledgeling program and grew it to over 100 students, some of which achieved first and second chair at All County festivals.

While teaching, she also performed as a member of the Greater Newburgh Symphony and became a certified NYSSMA Adjudicator. She plays and teaches piano, guitar, viola, violin and cello.

She resides in Goshen with her husband of 31 years/high school sweetheart, her 17 year old son, black lab, cat, birds and bunnies.