The Turn of the Page

If you’re in New York this spring, head on over to Brooklyn Public Library to see the amazing work of Pat Cummings! Also on display is the work of many of her former students including yours truly. Pat Cummings is this year’s Katowitz Radin Artist-In-Residence this year. 

Wearing my writer hat at VCFA

Last week I spent a few days in snowy Montpelier as author/illustrator in residence at Vermont College of Fine Arts  in their Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children & Young Adults program. It is a low residency program where students meet for ten days of workshops and lectures and then spend six months working … Read more

Holiday gifts for Artists!

The holiday season is upon us! When I was a kid, there’s nothing that I enjoyed more than art books and supplies. I still enjoy those gifts above others (except maybe cash, of course). Make the artist in your life happy with a Craftsy gift card. Cards can be used on any class (or classes) and can … Read more

October happenings…from here to there, and there, and there…

October has been EXTRA busy. If you’re friends with me on facebook, you’ve had a front row seat to all of the comings and goings. Here’s a recap of the past month. I kicked the month off with a trip to Pennsylvania College of Art and Design with Amy Sherald to hear Robert Pruitt speak about his … Read more

SCBWI Bulletin Cover

I’ve been a member (consistently inconsistently) of SCBWI since college. When I joined, I felt that I belonged to a community of other picture book makers throughout the world. Moving back to Atlanta away from my college art community, The Bulletin was an invaluable resource for me. Through the years I met other members of the … Read more

One’s own image

This weekend I had the pleasure of speaking at Simmons College in Boston. One of the perks of speaking at these functions is being able to attend other artist/author talks and workshops as well. The only drawback is usually finding myself fighting off headaches from so much mental stimulation. My panel was held on Saturday … Read more

Bringing Bookmaking to Baltimore!

I believe in making connections and using my resources and talents in whatever way that I can to help others. Teaching has been a direct reflection of that. Having been raised by raised by a teacher, watching one of my uncles serve his community as a social worker, and having an aunt who has been committed to … Read more

BookCon, Writers Hall of Fame, and me

What a week! Since my semester ended, I have been busier than ever outside of my studio. I’m itching to get back to work. On Sunday I attended my first BookCon where I spoke on a panel with Cheryl Willis-Hudson, Rita WIlliams-Garcia, and Jerdine Nolen. The panel was moderated by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambatti. Our topic was … Read more

Sunday Shopping Activity Sheet

Sunday Shopping is finally out in the world! So far the reviews have been wonderfully positive. Here’s what folks are saying: “A splendid choice for collections in need of picture books that feature African American characters, but, more significantly, a lovely title that celebrates imagination and the importance of family.” – SLJ “Strickland’s bright, breezy … Read more