Dunn graduated from Rutgers University with a BFA in Art History. After moving to New York City in the mid 80's, she spent a large part of her career documenting city streets; and the people who strive to leave their mark there from graffiti writers, artists, skaters, boxers, bikers, protesters, and assorted characters. In the late 90's she began to focus on filmmaking, creating classic films about artists of her generation who have influenced the realities of urban life through their own work.