Hirschten is a contemporary expressionist painter, author and public speaker.  She teaches painting in her studio located in the historic Cottage Home Neighborhood.

Hirschten earned a Bachelor of Fine Art from Appalachian State University graduating in the year 2000.  Over the years, the style and purpose behind her paintings has changed drastically from abstract expressionist work, that was focuses on art therapy influences; to impressionism, that reveres the sacred beauty of the natural world.

While working as an art teacher, Hirschten compiled the book “The Alchemy of Art: Stories for the Classroom” which includes more than fifty folktales about artists and the creative process.  Her second book “The Alchemy of Painting: Developing Your Style and Purpose” is an instructional how-to guidebook for beginning painters.  Hirschten hosts the  Studio Alchemy Podcast sharing art stories and philosophy with listeners around the world.