Dottie came to the easel later in life. She has always been interested in arts, crafts and antiques. In her earlier days she groomed poodles, created and sold arts and craft pieces, collected antiques and maintained a passion for life. She also loved to ride horses and had a couple of equine friends over the years. Her life has always involved animals, including her Shelty and Siamese cat. Now that she is retired and has the time to pursue her interests, art is an exploration that leads her to self discovery and expression. But art is like love and learning in that it becomes more meaningful and valuable when it is given as a gift to others. For that reason Dottie has pursued teaching art to others. She offers art instruction to children and adults in a wide variety of settings. Having worked with several school systems on the North Shore of Boston, as well as several community groups in the same region, Dottie has a passion for sharing the creative process with her students.

Dottie has found that the artist in her also has a passion for music that allows the soul to speak. In pursuit of that form of expression she belongs to A3D (African Development Through Drums And Dance), a group that explores the use of traditional African drums, other traditional instruments, and African dance. Additionally, A3D works hard to raise funds so that our good fortunes can be shared with others. In 2007 Dottie and her group visited Africa and brought computers and sewing machines to aid in bridging the technology and economic gaps that exist among many of the people of Africa. A3D is also working on the creation of a Cultural Center in Salem, Massachusetts.

Her interest in art is only one of her several passions. She has held an avid interest in astrology, as well as an interest in dogs (poodles and Shelties), genealogy, as well as Reiki and other healing arts

Dorothy (Hansen) Doucette was born and raised on the North Shore of Boston. She is the eldest daughter of Marion Gertrude (Thompson) and Frank Hansen. Her maternal family roots go all the way back to Colonial Massachusetts, while her paternal family roots stem from Denmark and Norway. She has three daughters--Debbie, Cheryl and Danielle--that have also been involved in dance and other arts at various times in their lives. Dottie is also step-mom to several other children and a grandmother.

Dottie has studied with many notable New England artists, including Mark Hayden and Charlette Wharton. She has also studied at the Montserrat College of Art, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the Wood End Studio. She has held several exhibitions, including at the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library. Her art has been recognized with awards from the Greater Lynn Arts & Crafts Society (1997), Danvers Art Association (1995-1997), Marblehead Art Association (1996), Essex County Art Center (1996), Winthrop Arts Society (2005) and the Peabody Arts Festival (1995-1996). Dottie's art ranges from landscapes, flowers, gardens, wildlife, seascapes and murals. Dottie works in oil, pastels, water colors and mixed media. She has also done a great deal of work in the arts and crafts genres, including pieces done in acrylic resin, driftwood, glass and ceramics. Dottie also has collected, evaluated and refinished antique furniture.

• North Shore Arts Association
• Marblehead Arts Association - Artist Member
• Winthrop Arts Association
• Peabody Arts Association
• Greater Lynn Arts & Crafts Society
• Lynn Arts Association

• Marblehead Arts Association - Studio Water Color & Oil Painting Classes
• Marblehead Art Association - Portait Program
• Private & Group Studio Classes for Adults & Children