One Move, Two Deadlines, Three Events
THE MOVE OF A LIFETIME
2022 was the year of downsizing. We sold our beautiful family home in the Maryland suburbs, to move to a much smaller apartment in Washington, DC. I traded my large sunny studio and garden, featuring 75 plant species sowed and transplanted throughout 33 years, for a compact studio and a small roof garden. The city is Moringuita’s new home. I sowed a Moringa oleifera seed in early 2020, as part of my research for Cool Green: Amazing, Remarkable Trees. In the city my Moringa, commonly called ‘the miracle tree’, is thriving and gifting us with peppery leaves to make salad with!
I MET MY DEADLINES!
This year brought two illustration deadlines amidst the big downsizing move! For a moment, I wasn’t sure that I could both meet the deadlines and keep my sanity intact. Fortunately,I did. In January I mailed the art of Cool Green: Amazing Remarkable Trees (Spring 2023) which will also be published in Spanish as Verde Fresco: Árboles Asombrosos y Extraordinarios. Then, in September I took the train to New York and to deliver the art for Veo, Veo, I See You! (Fall 2023) And in what has become a tradition I rewarded myself for the huge effort—yes, creating physical art is super time consuming—with a visit to an exhibit: the Whitney Biennial.
BOOKS AND LITERACY EVENTS
The Window Display at Politics & Prose Bookstore
Thrilled to contribute to my new neighborhood community, I created the children’s book window display at this historic independent bookstore. To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, or Latinidad Month as I titled the window, I chose the themes of carnival, music, and food. Swing by, if in town, to look at the featured book selections by fellow Latino creators.
Bomba y Plena at the Museum
Latinidad was also present at Bomba y Plena at the Museum, an event where Los Hijo’e Plena and Cultura Plenera shared workshops of the enthralling Puerto Rican musical styles with the audience. I was happy to sign books for the musical ensemble’s event. They were instrumental in the research behind Rafi and Rosi Music! To learn about Cultura Plenera and their mission click here.
Plum Creek Literacy Festival
It was gratifying to help in the festival’s goal to bring literacy to thousands of children. I personally stressed the importance of representation to many audiences during the three-day event!
RIF of Northern Virginia Golden Gala
I look forward to help celebrate the work of Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia as a featured author during their 50th anniversary event. One for the Book! To read their recent interview on my work, click here.
EN ESPAñOL
Este próximo jueves 13 de octubre durante el Latinx KidLit Book Festival moderaré un panel de dibujo con el tema de ¡las comidas! Es tu oportunidad de que una artista haga el dibujo en vivo, de la delicia que se te ocurra. Para participar en el panel de comidas aquí.
No olviden el taller de escritura creativa que junto a Guadalupe Garcia McCall ofrecimos y ha quedado en los archivos para instrucción cuando la deseen. Para mayor información aquí.
A FREE VIRTUAL VISIT ANYONE?
The release of Cool Green: Amazing, Remarkable Trees is around the corner. Let’s celebrate with a FREE virtual visit! Stay tuned for details.
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“Our students adored having your personal insight …..They were affirmed by a conversation in Spanish, and so grateful for a time to feel special and seen.”–Alaina Bearden, 4th grade CABA teacher, Blackstone Elementary, Boston, MA
“ They couldn't stop talking about your visit after you left. What a success!”-Julie Platt, B.S, M.Ed., Marumsco Hills Elementary School, Woodbridge, VA