Introduction
Through my enthusiasm for biology and background in art, I make identifying patterns in the tree of life contagious! Scientists are working every day to understand the parts, relate the pieces, and build the puzzle of our knowledge of this magnificent planet. The work they do is the fuel my illustrations use to spark interest and form a permanent connection between the minds of man and the natural world.
I am happy to offer age-appropriate educational presentations about the career of science illustration and a supporting workshop. Each presentation is structured into two parts tailored to the age of the participating students.
Part one includes a biography portion, where I define the career of science illustration and show examples of my own artwork and other artists’ work throughout history. I discuss how I became a science illustrator, some of the projects I have done, and what I am working on currently.
The second part of the presentation is customizable with choices of either indoor or outdoor activities. During the assembly style drawing demo for lower elementary students, I will show the step-by-step process of creating an illustration while sharing a few tricks of the trade. The nature journaling workshop will lead students through a prompt either outdoors on school grounds, or in the classroom with specimens that I will provide. High school students also have the option of participating in a fossil reconstruction or a portfolio review (depending on the number of students).
Please, contact me to discuss the details of your school visit.
Presentation Offerings
Cost
Half Day - $600 - 2 presentations (2 in the morning OR 2 in the afternoon)
Full Day - $1,000 - 4 presentations (2 in the morning AND 2 in the afternoon)
Payment for a school visit is expected upon arrival for the presentations.
If I need to travel further than 100 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, I will request that you book at least one full day presentation and pay for me to stay nearby the night(s) before the presentations. If I need to take a train or plane to your location, I ask that you pay the round-trip fare.
Lower Elementary
No more than 60 students preferred per session
30 minutes
Biography Presentation (10 minutes)
Q&A (5 minutes)
Drawing demo assembly style (at least 15 minutes)
Upper Elementary
No more than 30 students preferred per session
60 minutes
Biography Presentation (10 minutes)
Q&A (5 minutes)
Nature journal workshop (at least 40 minutes)
Choice of outdoors or in the classroom with provided specimens
Middle School
No more than 30 students preferred per session
60 minutes
Biography Presentation (15 minutes)
Emphasis on science illustration career path
Q&A (5 minutes)
Nature journal workshop (at least 30 minutes)
Choice of outdoors or in the classroom with provided specimens
High School
No more than 30 students preferred per session*
60 minutes
Biography Presentation (15 minutes)
Emphasis on science illustration career path
Q&A (5 minutes)
Choice of workshop (at least 30 minutes)
- Nature journal workshop
Choice of outdoors or in the classroom with provided specimens
- Fossil reconstruction exercise
In the classroom with provided research documents
- Portfolio advice *no more than 15 students preferred per session
Preparing for my Visit
What I need to present:
Please contact me at least two months prior to the anticipated visit. We will work out all the details into a signed letter of agreement. I will check-in two weeks prior to my visit to see if there are any changes.
For the biography presentation, I will be showing digital slides that will require a projector, screen, and computer.
Supplies students should have ready:
Students participating in a workshop should bring and/or be supplied with drawing/writing materials. At the very least this should include line free paper (preferably cardstock) and a pencil with a working eraser. Optional, but useful, items that could also be supplied include a sketchbook, color pencils, archival pens of varying widths, watercolors, gouache, paint brushes, and markers.
If students participating in the indoor workshop would like to bring a specimen from home, be sure they are storing and transporting it safely.
Suggestions for a successful visit:
An artist visit is an investment of time and school expenses, but can provide an unparalleled educational experience. Here are five suggestions to prepare for a successful visit:
1. Talk to your students about science illustration.
Here are some articles that sum up the career field and give a variety of examples:
2. Brainstorm questions to ask during the Q&A.
Having students prepare questions is a great way to keep them engaged throughout the presentation and foster a more successful Q&A session.
3. Create a bulletin board on the subject.
Prepare space for the students’ finished journal pages and/or illustrations to encourage them to remain engaged during the workshop.
4. Provide your students with books on the subject.
Teach them the story of Beatrix Potter; Botanist, Artist and Storyteller.
- Elementary School
“The Raft” by Jim LaMarche
“I Am an Artist" by Pat Lowery Collins. Illustrated by Robin Brickman
“Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos" by Monica Brown. Illustrated by John Parra
“Zoey and Sassafras” Book Seris by Asia Citro. Illustrated by Marion Lindsay
- Middle and High School
“Notable Notebooks: Scientists and Their Writings" by Jessica Fries-Gaither
“The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling” by John Muir Laws
5. Publicize this visit by posting an article in the school newsletter, social media, Parent/Teacher discussion boards, local newspaper, etc. to encourage more funding of artists’ visits to the school.
Thank you!