Award-winning Junior Ranger Book

Award-winning Junior Ranger Book, Etc.
	If you ever happen to be headed to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with the kids, be sure to stop by one of the visitor’s centers and pick up a free copy of the Junior Ranger Book. In late 2017, the book and the creative team that put it together was awarded First Place for Site Publications by the *National Association for Interpretation (NAI)*. I was one of two artists on the team and I illustrated the interior activities in the book. The other artist, Nicolle Fuller, created the art for the front cover. The team was led by the parks' Visual Information Specialist, Erika Williams. Filled with lots of fun and facts, kids ages 5 and up can earn an official Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Junior Ranger badge by completing the fun activities in the book.
In June 2016, I was the official artist-in-residence for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (the first one ever, they told me!) The residency was all volunteer and I provided all the materials for the program. I donated the original art produced there to the parks as well. The purpose of my residency was to create artwork and materials that could be used for programs in the parks now and in the future. I also created artwork that I presented at the end of my stay that highlighted many of the wonderful little things of nature that also exist among the giant majestic sequoia trees. Judging by the enthusiastic response of all those who came and participated on presentation day I think it was a success. During my week in Sequoia -- I actually only had five days to work because of travel and the presentation day -- I created numerous photo-op masks, coloring pages, and several watercolor and acrylic paintings and lots of thumbnail sketches. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to create among by the peacefulness of nature in a historic, secluded rustic cabin. My only regret? Not having more time there to create even more artwork.