Rosa Parks

I just completed over fifty drawings for textbooks geared towards giving 4th and 5th graders more courage to write.  I illustrated essays by variety of fascinating people, from former Secretary of State, Condeleeza Rice - to the astronaut who fixed the Hubble Telescope. My favorite essay was by Rosa Parks, who's crime of sitting in the wrong seat on a bus became a rallying cry for the civil rights movement. As in the picture above (of Rosa Parks' childhood home), these drawings depict pivotal places (and moments) which helped define who she was.

As a child in the 1920's, Rosa attended a wooden schoolhouse.

White children were bussed to far nicer schools

White students used to throw trash at Rosa and classmates as they walked to school.

During segregation, African-Americans were required to enter and stay in the back of the bus.

My depiction of the seating chart for the bus Rosa Parks was arrested on.

From Rosa Parks' perspective, a view of her bus driver with police officers.

From Rosa Parks perspective, after her arrest. The officers were very respectful towards her.

A special thanks to art director Carmela Stricklett at Amplify, 

who helped guide me through this massive (but very fun) project.

You can view my new illustration website here!

"Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others."

~ Rosa Parks

Teachers Uncaged

This drawing appears in the latest issue of American Educator. It accompanies a story addressing how teachers can empower themselves more within the bureaucracy of the school system.

A special thanks to art director, Michelle Furman for this fun assignment.

Please visit my new illustration site here!

Bubby's Kitchen

This piece for About Town Magazine accompanies a story about a new restaurant in my village, Bubby's Take Away Kitchen. I've been contributing to this publication for over fifteen years - and these assignments have really helped me stay connected to my local community (and the issues that affect it).  It's very sad that About Town will be closing it's doors with this issue. Thanks to the owners/editors, Gail Jaffe-Bennek and Paul DeAngelis for a great run in putting out a fine publication - and best wishes in your next adventures!

Keith Richards

 I just finished reading Keith Richard's memoir, Life, which was fantastic. This cat has seemingly lived nine lives - a roller coaster of extreme ups and downs. It was fascinating to learn about his work ethic and creative process. The body of timeless songs he's written is atestament to a musical genius. Mr. Richards' story inspired me to doodle this spread in my sketchbook. It's a very sloppy love letter to a musical icon.

You can view a fun gallery of sketchbook excerpts here!

"It's great to be here. It's great to be anywhere."

~ Keith Richards