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.