An internationally known painter, Tykie is an ardent preservationist. She believes in nature and admires its creatures. She was chosen to be an Artist in Residence at Isle Royale National Park, {where the wolves are}. One of the paintings she did while on the island was featured in the book, “The Island Within Us”.
Tykie is included in "Who's Who of American Women" and "Who's Who of American Art." She is a member of The Miniature Painters Sculptors and Gravers Society of Washington,D.C. Miniature Art Society of FL, The Hilliard Society of Miniaturists, Wells Somerset, England, an associate member of the Society of Animal Artists, a member of the Artists For Conservation and a founding signature member of Miniature Artists of America. One of her miniatures is in the permanent collection of The Smithsonian, Washington, D.C.