I know that this won’t be the last time I mention my painting at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (since I haven’t even been to the Foot in the Door exhibit yet), but if you open today’s Minneapolis Startribune to the Variety section, there’s my painting again, middle right.
Just received this flyer about the artists’ reception for the Foot in the Door exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and if you look real close, you’ll see my painting in the upper left hand corner. Not sure why it appears backwards, but it’s there.
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts was recently accepting submissions for the Foot in the Door exhibit, a show in which anyone in Minnesota who deems themselves an artist can get their work displayed. The show occurs every 10 years, and the last time nearly 2,000 artists submitted pieces. This year, I believe that number more than doubled.
The exhibit will run from Feb 19th through June 13th. If you go, look for the my painting (below). It’s based on my How I Became a Superhero story.
For a long time, I’ve wanted to write a book of children’s poems. Now, I admit I’m no Shel Silverstein, but I did focus on poetry in graduate school, have since published poems in several literary journals and magazines, and have written numerous children’s books.
I’ve also wanted to pair my poetry with some sort of visual art, whether photography, paintings, or drawings (again, I’m no Shel Silverstein). However, a friend, and painter, Amanda Doering, has recently agreed that if I write the poems, she will paint the art. So . . .
Here’s the first, in what will be a series of animal poems, using various common poetic forms, such as haiku.
Crow
I approach a crow
in the middle of the road —
the night flaps its wings.
My football graphic novel, Kickoff Blitz, is now available.
Summary: Tou Yang, a Hmong youth and special teams standout for the Wildcats, is nervous going up against the Bandits. He used to play for them and was bullied by their star defensive back, Darren Broody. Now, Tou is lining up against Darren on the gridiron. He’ll need the help of his best friend, Carlos Ramirez, if he’s not going to let his old nemesis get the best of him.
Tou and Carlos are also be feature in a soccer graphic novel that will be released later this year.
“I have to admit this book cracked me up. Eek & Ack travel to earth in their spaceship - that really looks like a washing machine - to discover why it is so hard to conquer. Their disguises are hilarious - one wearing a tutu and the other in a hooded robe of sorts. They end up traveling to earth on Halloween and meet up with a wolfboy. Let’s just say, they’re not staying long on this Earth.
This graphic novel is comical and fantastical, elements that I both enjoy. These books will be great for kids who like something a bit more funny. And this is another great book for librarians and teachers.”
—Bookworming in the 21st Century
“A great retelling of the famous myth in graphic novel format. . . . Definitely a fun story for kids to read about and a great way to learn about mythology.
—Bookworming in the 21st Century
And great timing on this review. I just learned that Stone Arch Books will be creating an interactive version of Perseus and Medusa. Can’t wait to see it.
“The small town of Tarry has a new schoolteacher named Ichabod Crane. As he adjusts to his post, he hears rumors that a terrifying headless horseman is on the loose in the nearby valley. Crane, being a superstitious fellow, must face his fears as he crosses creepy Sleepy Hollow in search of beautiful Katrina, his pupil and the daughter of wealthy farmer Balt Van Tassel. However, Crane is not Katrina’s only suitor. The brawny Brom will stop at nothing to spend time with the striking young woman. Smith’s full-color illustrations and Hoena’s narration rejuvenate the famously spooky legend of the 1800s.”
—School Library Journal
A Spanish-translated version of my Jack and the Beanstalk graphic novel retelling, or Jack y Los Frijoles Magicos is being released later this month.
Not only that, but I’ve heard rumblings that other titles of mine may be converted to interactive books.
Stay tuned . . .
I’m starting the year out with two pieces of good news.
