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!

Hispanic Hudson Valley

Here's a recent piece for an article about the burgeoning Hispanic community in the Hudson Valley. Many of these residents are immigrants who are limited by their native tongue. But even with the language barrier, most in this community believe strongly in the American dream. To help them navigate through our culture, Bard College started publishing  La Voz Magazine. This Spanish language publication helps families find resources such as affordable healthcare, housing and ESL classes. You can read this cover story in the Winter issue of About Town magazine.

Below are some sketches for this piece...

Thanks for visiting, and hasta la vista, my friends.

Heroin art

It's always nice to see my work on the printed page. This piece for  About Town addresses the heroin epidemic which is affecting our region. You can read the full story here.

You can view my new illustration website here!

Tick Season is Here

Deer ticks are the scourge of the Hudson Valley. These tiny pests live almost anywhere there's grass, brush, or woods. Aside from Lyme Disease, scientists have discovered other blights these critters can spread.  This article for About Town describes these new diseases , and highlights ways to avoid getting bitten (staying out of tall grass and brush, covering your body thoroughly with clothing, wearing insect repellents containing DEET, etc).

A few ideas I submitted for this spot.

Be sure to take precautions, because tick season is here.

Government Shutdown

This drawing accompanies an About Town article about one group of people who felt the weight of the government shutdown - single mothers. The author highlights the plight of one mother of four - who's ex-husband could not pay child support because he was a furloughed government worker. This piece was greatly influenced by one of my favorite illustrators, David Suter - who's a master of transformational images.

A few ideas I submitted...

Thanks to Paul De Angelis for another compelling assignment. 

You can see another example of transformational art here.

Deep Down Local

 

This portrait appeared on the cover of About Town, a publication that's geared towards my Hudson Valley community. It accompanied an essay which asks "How long must you live in a community before you can be considered a true local? " five years? ten years? a lifetime? generations? That's a tough one to answer, but I certainly find illustrating local themes helps me feel more connected to my home turf.

This accompanied a story about Mohican Indians who once inhabited my town.

About Town's editor, Paul De Angelis, has been assigning me with fun projects for over thirteen years. It's been rewarding to collaborate with area writers, and learn about the history of my town.  The drawings posted here all incorporate local maps into their content. I hope you enjoy them. More importantly, I hope you enjoy a meaningful connection to your community!

This accompanied a story about a local burglary crime-wave.

If I ever get lost, this local map comes in handy.

This cover image accompanied a story about the 300th birthday of Germantown, NY.

Here's a link to About Town.

 I'm curious if you feel like a true local in your community?

You can view my new illustration website here!