On the Road to Literacy

This piece  for American Educator accompanies a story about the magazine’s archive to supporting research-based reading instruction. It was fun to work with a very straight-forward  concept, On the Road to Literacy. This is the publication of the AFT, the largest teacher’s union in the US. I have many friends who’re public school teachers, including my girlfriend of 8 years. It is nice to know this magazine will be delivered to their mailboxes, and that I can connect with them through my artwork.

Given that we’ve been living through a pandemic, this has been a very challenging year for educators. Living with a teacher, I see firsthand how dedicated they are, and how hard they work. To all my teacher friends, I salute you, and wish you a relaxing and peaceful summer. You deserve it!

Here are sketches I submitted for this assignment:

 

Special thanks to art director, Jennifer Berney, for this super-fun assignment!

American Educator

This piece for American Educator accompanies a story called Community Schools - A Promising Foundation for Progress. These schools are strategically integrated with their local communities in order to support economically-challenged families. They work with local community centers, health organizations, civic and business leaders to provide families with a safety net beyond the ABC’s of education. These institutions are super valuable in communities which are confronted with poverty. A big shout out to all my public school teacher friends. Your dedication makes this world a better place!

Various resources are available to families in need.

Families in need are the focus of community schools

Community schools are a solid foundation in economically challenged areas

A special thanks to art director, Jennifer Berney, for this fantastic project.

You can view my complete illustration portfolio here!

Red Hook Public Library

 

I drew these sketches outside of my local library on Tuesday evening. They're part of an exhibition I'm putting together of local landmarks. I'll be posting more about this soon...

The Secret Cellar

Here's a peek at some drawings that will appear in The Secret Cellar, the newest installment of the Red Blazer Girls mystery series. What goes on in this this spooky cellar? Are vintage French wines hidden down there? What creepy characters are lurking in the shadows? Oh, rats! I can't tell you. For answers, you must read Michael Beil's fabulous book when it comes out later this year. One secret I can reveal is that it was really fun dreaming up these images.

You can view my new illustration website here!

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My daughter Abigail is a big fan of this series,
so I can't wait to give her a copy of The Secret Cellar!