Art, Reading and Storytelling

When I visit your classroom or library it is not only a chance for the students to meet an author, but also a real live artist!

On my visit, I not only want to share with children the work it takes to make a book, the whole book—the words and the pictures—I want them to see how much fun it is to be an author and illustrator. I want to share the joy I find in being a creative person, and my hope is to inspire them to seek something that brings them that same kind of joy.

Elementary: School and Library Visits

I can plan my presentations and activities based on your school or organization’s unique interests and needs. My visit can be focused on both drawing and writing—helping to cultivate and deepen a love of reading, writing and art. All presentations can include a reading of one of my books, a drawing or writing activity, and Q&A.

My Program: The Basics

My presentations can differ depending on the requests of the school or library. Generally, they include:

  • Reading of one of my books

  • Discussion about my early interest in art and how I became a professional illustrator

  • Exploration of how I get ideas for my stories and illustrations

  • Examination of all steps involved in producing a children’s book—from ideas to the finished product

  • Interactive drawing demonstration (the kids’ favorite part!)

  • Q&A time

  • Leave behind worksheet for teachers to use after, or to give to the children as they leave

  • Length 45-60 minutes depending on age of the students

  • Best for kindergarten up to 3rd grade for my book readings. Kindergarten to 5th grade for drawing and writing activities.

  • Prefer small groups of 30-40 children

  • Can do up to three presentations in a day

  • No taping of any kind is permitted without my express, written consent

My Program: Customize

You could choose to customize the visit. I would need at least two weeks before the visit to prepare. Some ideas for customizing include:

  • Discussion of the messages in my books

  • Illustration/art specific activities targeted to your lesson plan

  • How I found my own personal art style and voice

  • Deeper exploration into how to get ideas for stories and illustrations

  • Observing and drawing from nature, and including nature in your daily art practice

  • The development of characters for your stories

  • Gardening, nature or food art, themes that are directly related to my books

College and Adult: Classes and Workshops

I started drawing in 2016 after not making any art of any kind for almost 30 years. In just a few short years I found my artistic voice, developed my art style, and became a successful illustrator and author. How did I do this? Because I was driven and focused, and because I developed a clear workable plan. Being an illustrator and artist is now my passion and purpose, and where I find great joy. I’d be happy to share with you the plan that worked for me and the exercises that I used to develop as an artist, my art-making techniques, the picture book making process, or specific drawing subjects like nature or food.

Custom classes or workshops

I would need no less than 3 weeks to prepare. Some topics to consider based on my work, experience and art making journey:

  • Finding your own personal voice and style

  • Changing your life course, finding a new passion and joy later in life

  • Picture book making process, the steps in writing and illustrating

  • Drawing from nature and making this part of your daily art practice

  • Travel art and art journal making

  • My art-making technique including gouache painting to the final digital art

  • Gardening, nature or food art, themes that are directly related to my books

Fees: In-Person, Virtual and Everything in-between

IN-PERSON PRESENTATIONS are 45-60 minutes in length for elementary-aged children. No more than three presentations a day. Please contact me if you have other needs not specified.

  • School: $350 for one hour, or $600 for up to three presentations.

  • Public Libraries: $250 for up to 60 minutes.

VIRTUAL PRESENTATIONS are 45-60 minutes. As we all know, in-person meetings are the most fun, but I’ll keep your children engaged and interested in the topic in a virtual classroom. I’m on Zoom, Skype, and Google hangout. No expenses would be charged.

  • School: $300 for one presentation.

  • Public Libraries: $200 for one presentation.

TEEN/ADULT CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS can be 1-6 hours long, or a series of short classes over time. Workshops are best for high-school, college or adult learners. Please contact me to discuss your needs, and for a proposal and fees.

TRAVEL EXPENSES: I live in the Washington D.C. metropolitan region and can easily travel to locations within a 50-mile radius with an additional charge for mileage. If I travel outside of the D.C. area, and/or if an overnight stay is required, additional charges will apply including transportation, meals, and hotels.

Book Signing

I am happy to sign books! But I would not be selling the books, so please plan and allow students that want to, to buy a book ahead and have it at the school.