The Gift

Back at Simon Elementary school today with sixth graders. This is session 7 of 10 in my art and writing residency. The students finished the cut paper collages that they started last time. We focused on gifts... those given and those offered by God such as the gift of music or of art. Afterwards students wrote about the story behind the art. We have been studying how pictures can tell stories.

Bye 2010, Hello 2011

What a fantastic year it has been! Highlights include my trip to The Netherlands in March for The Boekids Children's Literature Festival; multiple art residencies with the John F. Kennedy Center and Class Acts Arts; Destiny's Gift - the children's book by Natasha Tarpley that I illustrated was published in paperback; and coming on board with the non-profit Arts on the Block working with gifted teens on commissioned mosaic tile work. I am thankful and blessed!

Graphically Speaking

One of the young Arts on the Block apprentices tweaking her original t-shirt graphic to be used on all shirts for the non-profit. There were many wonderful designs created.

The Life of an Artist

I showed my picture books and mixed media fine art during my artist talk to young apprentices at Arts on The Block. I talked about some of the challenges artists face in making a career for themselves in the arts. It's all about maintaining balance in one's life and honoring one's gifts.