SPEAKING INFORMATION:
I love to talk to kids about my books and about how I created the illustrations. I bring in sketches, props, and actual art from the books. I usually close my visit with a book sale and signing for the students.
AUDIENCE:
I present to students in grades K-8, but 2nd-6th grade is ideal.
SELECTED PROGRAMS:
My programs vary and can be tailored to a specific audience and subject matter.
1) The Story Behind Born to Draw Comics, Charles Schulz, PEANUTS and the Creation of a Picture Book. In an entertaining and interactive presentation young students will learn about the life and career of cartoonist Charles Schulz. As a child “Sparky” longed to become a professional cartoonist and with hard work and determination created PEANUTS, the most popular and influential comic in history. Students will love the humorous stories of Schulz’s dog Spike who later inspired the beloved character Snoopy as well as other fun facts. Students will also learn the steps involved in creating the picture book “Born to Draw Comics.” They include research, character sketches, art mediums used, and see photos from the fun trips to various locations where Charles Schulz lived, attended school and worked on his comic strip. I wrap up each talk with tips on drawing your favorite PEANUTS characters along with time for students to draw as well.
2) Another popular presentation is on my book “Natures Paintbox: A Seasonal Gallery of Art and Verse”. This picture book is a beautiful descriptive poem about the four seasons rendered in a different art technique for each season. As the illustrator I think this is a great tool to teach students about art mediums, poetry and nature. During program I talk about the process of creating the art from the sketch phase to the final illustrations. Also comparisons are made between each season and its related art medium. I have lots of visuals to share like originial sketches, photo reference and actual art. It’s a real hands on program where students get to create a finished piece of art in watercolor just like in my book! My process of illustrating is also covered. Go to this link for more information about a presentation based on this book.
3) Another topic covers the theme “Voting & Democracy". Using my books on Susan B. Anthony, James Forten, Thomas Paine, Nathan Hale and John Adams I show how these various individuals representing different genders and races contributed to democracy. I share interesting facts about the subjects and the age they lived in. This is a great topic after election year 2008. Also in the program I share my process as an illustrator creating art from sketch phase to the finished book and at the end I give students an assignment to come up with their own illustration. In this program I bring lots of visuals from originial sketches to actual art.
4) For my book "Survival in the Snow", a real-life survival story set in the 1840's in California's Donner Lake region I tell the amazing story of young Moses Schallenberger and his time spent alone in a snow bound cabin. I also share my process of creating art from the sketch phase to the final illustrations. An art exercise for the kids ends my talk.
LENGTH:
1 hour presentations. Usually 4-6 presentations is my maximum per day.
FEES:
$225 by the hour and $750 for a full day depending on the group size and distance to travel. Usually 4 or 5 presentations is my maximum per day. Signed books are available for sale.
My visits via Zoom are $175 per 1 hour presentation or $650 all day with 6 talks my maximum per day. Signed books are also available for sale.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
I teach illustration at Bellevue College and Cloud 9 Art School as well as at various community colleges over the years. I have also presented at many elementary schools, including numerous talks at the Young Authors Conference in Mt Vernon since 2002.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
Member of The Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators International.
SELECTED AWARDS:
"Gifts From the Enemy"- 2015 gold level Benjamin Franklin Award- Independent Book Publishers Association nonfiction category (8-12 years); 2015 Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award in World History; *Starred review*- Jewish Book Council; 2015 Read Aloud Comstock Honor Book- Minnesota State University Moorhead; 2014 Spirit Book Award honor book nonfiction category- Oregon Council of Teachers of English.
"The Can Man"- 2011-12 Pennsylvannia Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award, Intermediate level; 2012 Charlotte Award (state of New York), Intermediate level; Smithsonian Magazine Notable Book for Children in 2010; 2011 Horace Mann Awards Honor Book; 2011 Paterson Prize winner.
"Natures Paintbox: A Seasonal Gallery of Art and Verse"- Book Links Lasting Connections of 2007 title- American Library Association magazine; Best Children’s Books of 2008- Children’s Book Committee at Bank Street College of Education; Editor’s Choice- Library Media Connection. |