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Godlewski has had a life-long interest in art, starting at an early age and taking off once she had children. Godlewski’s work has been displayed in many galleries, libraries, malls and festivals throughout the state. She has also won several awards for her paintings.

Godlewski was born in Detroit and lived in Center Line until the age of 16 when she moved to Warren. After graduating high school, Godlewski moved to Hamtramck to live with relatives while attending school at the University of Detroit. After graduating with a certificate in dental hygiene, Godlewski married her husband, Phillip Godlewski, and the couple moved to Sterling Heights.

While living in Sterling Heights, Godlewski had three daughters in four years. Eventually the economy in the area went into a recession and Godlewski and her family moved to South Bend, Ind. Godlewski decided to get a job teaching in Benton Harbor and continue her higher education.

Godlewski started attending classes at Western Michigan University to receive her master’s degree in Educational Leadership. It was there Godlewski rediscovered her love of art.

“While attending some public communication and graphic arts classes, my interest in the arts reappeared,” Godlewski said. Godlewski, who had enjoyed many art forms such as ceramics and pottery, discovered a love for painting.

“As the children left home I found that I had more time to dabble with different mediums and living on the water really helped stimulate my love for painting,” she said. After her children had all moved out of the house, she and her husband returned to the east side of the state.

“Soon after our return to the Detroit area I was involved in a serious car accident that changed my life by rendering me unable to continue in my profession,” Godlewski said.

The numerous problems that resulted from the accident forced Godlewski to stop working as a dental hygienist and even limited the time she could spend painting.

Godlewski said she still tries to paint as much as possible, but it is hard with her limited mobility.

“I don’t get to paint as much as I want,” she said.

Godlewski enjoys all forms of art, but lately has been focusing on watercolor, as well as a form from Korea and Japan known as paper art. Godlewski said her favorite subject to paint is nature.

“I never feel that my art is finished,” she said, adding that she often finds herself revising older pieces or adding new touches to them.

“Nature doesn’t stand still,” Godlewski said. “Nature constantly changes.”

Godlewski’s work will be on display for the month of March on the lower level of Sterling Heights City Hall, 40555 Utica Road. Some of her work will be for sale. For more information, call 446-2489.