Tenny was introduced to ceramics early in her college career while pursuing a Mechanical Engineering Degree at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Although her main focus was her studies in Engineering, she always found time to enroll in a variety of art classes to complement her college education. Tenny graduated with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1987. After graduating, she began working at Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena designing spacecrafts. She is currrently working with the Mars Program on a future mission to Mars called Mars Science Lab.

In 1993, Tenny found herself working with clay again. She decided to take a ceramics class at the La Canada Community Center to make serving platters for her own use. It was there that she discovered her passion for ceramics. In Tenny’s quest to develop, refine and broaden her ceramic art, she continually attends workshops and evening classes throughout Southern California.

Tenny works with a variety of pottery medium ranging from low-fire earthenware to high-fire porcelain. Her favorite style of pottery is an ancient Japanese technique known as RAKU. With RAKU, the interaction between the clay and glazes and the firing process gives each piece its own distinct and unique art form.

In 2002, Tenny made a wonderful discovery — the art of Glass Fusion. This wonderful medium is her latest passion. It allows her to express her creativity in new ways. The magic of fused, kiln-formed opalescent, cathedral and dichroic art glass creates an experience of depth, art and mystery. “I love color and texture and the way light plays on both.” The art pieces are best viewed at different angles. This allows both dynamic and subtle changes of color to dance while viewing the artwork.

Tenny’s ceramic art has received recognition throughout California. In 1998 and 1999, the Southern California Ceramic Society honored her. In 1999 her work was selected and exhibited at the Chancellor’s Gallery in Sacramento. In 2001, Tenny’s art was selected for The California Ceramics Society Presidents show in Marina Del Rey at Ground Zero’s art gallery. Tenny's work was selected for the JPL Director’s Art Competition five consecutive years from 2000 to 2005 and was exhibited at Descanso Gardens for eleven consecutive years.