Jim Petersen studied political science and English at the University of Kansas, and international relations for a Master’s degree at Yale University. On the universal copy desk at The San Francisco Chronicle and at the Examiner, he edited city-side reportage and news from wire services, rewriting, and creating headlines and photo captions.

After newspapering, he joined the studio of Helen Webber, and sought designers, consultants and buyers of art for specific sites where her artwork might bring an environment to life. On occasion, he wrote words to become part of Helen Webber’s fabric collage tapestries including the poetry for her book Catch A Dreamer, a celebration of the rights of the child.