Marlene received her B.F.A from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and her M.F.A in metals from East Carolina University.

She currently works as a studio metalsmith in Sandy Hook, about 40 minutes west of downtown Richmond Virginia. She has taught workshops and given lectures at colleges, universities and art centers including Penland School of Crafts, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and Craft Alliance.

Her work is in various collections throughout the US and most recently the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and the Enamel Arts Foundation in Los Angeles, CA.

Since 2009 she has served as the manager of the silent auction and raffle fundraiser for the Society of North American Goldsmiths which raises money for scholarships awarded through their educational endowment fund.

Pulblications:

Jewelry Design challenge, Lark

Found Object Art 2, Schiffer

500 Enameled Objects, Lark

500 Pendants and Lockets, Lark

Mixed Media Collage Jewelry, Lark

Jewellery From Recycled Materials, Black, London

Fabulous Jewelry from Found Objects, Lark,

The Fine Art of the Tin Can, Revised Edition, Lark