Petra Stoppel is from Petoskey, Michigan where her parents indulged her artistic tendencies to the fullest. Both of her parents are artists and art teachers. She did not take up painting until her senior year of high school. She graduated from Kalamazoo College with BAs in  Visual Art and History. Here, she has also had the opportunity to scenic design and paint for theater, another of her passions.

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Petra's passion for scenic art started in college where she worked as a scenic artist. After college she worked as the Charge artist and part time designer for the Performing Arts Center of Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Her desire for knowledge took her to the Actors Theatre of Louisville where she apprenticed with the Professional Training Company. Most recently, she worked on the 2019 season of the Santa Fe Opera. She winters in New York City freelancing as a scenic artist.
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