Margaret grew up on a farm in Wahoo, Nebraska, received her BA from Creighton University and MA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A former executive director of the Lincoln Arts Council and former education director at the Lux Art Center, she is a studio artist and workshop leader based in Lincoln, Nebraska.

When a truck ran a red light in 2000 and collided with her vehicle, Margaret spent her recovery learning about encaustic wax methods from a library book. She quickly became a charter member of the International Encaustic Artists, served on its Board of Directors and curated national IEA exhibitons. She is also a member of the Encaustic Art Institute in Santa Fe.

As an artist-in-residence with the Nebraska Arts Council, Margaret has taught schoolchildren and established artists as well as the visually impaired and imprisoned. She has given her innovative Hot Wax/Cool Art™ workshops across the U.S. and was selected as the first artist-in-residence at Cornhusker Marriott Hotel. She has participated in juried shows in 17 states and been featured in magazines such as Encaustic Arts, Cloth Paper Scissors, and Southwest Airlines Spirit.