Taxidermy, Editors, Art Directors, Writers, and Illustrators

The SCBWI-Iowa conference was often held at The Lodge, in Bettendorf, Iowa. Enthusiastic children's book illustrators and writers from the midwest, as well as authors, illustrators, editors, and art directors flown in (usually from New York) to Iowa for the Regional SCBWI conference would find themselves in a theme hotel surrounded by incredible medieval furnishings.

(SCBWI= The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators)

It certainly was different to attend book sales in a Bavarian street, share some night time beverages beside a life-sized black bear, and meander through gaslit halls.

I took just a few pictures yesterday at the conference as it will be the last time I get to see those umpteen taxidermy deer heads on the walls. 

Make way for a new hotel. The theme will most likely be modern, not Bavarian. And although I found the portrait in my room that one year just a little creepy (hung a towel over it), I think I might actually miss the humor and quirkiness--- 

just a bit?

A Nod To Grant

In going through old artwork to find submissions for an upcoming SCBWI Illustrators show, I found this painting I did for a greeting card for the 'Rhinestones' line that I had with Renaissance Greeting Card company--- waaaaaay back when. 

It was a 'miss you' card and at the time I painted it I had no clue at that I would be living in Grant Wood's stomping ground!

Ahhhhh, a little blast from the past.

Wish you were here...

Where Buffalo Roam...

Oh give me home... Where the buffalo roam...

in Iowa?

We stopped at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge on our way home from a college visit to Iowa State yesterday. 

Not only was the prairie preserve awe-inspiring and breathtaking (even in this brown-grass time of year), 

but the buffalo--- 

crossing the road in front of our car--- 

coming right up beside us, 

close enough to touch--- I felt transported back in time. 

 

(here's the shot you get when you hand your 14 year old son your camera. No cropping involved.)

 

Truly beautiful. If you're lucky enough to live in Iowa--- gotta go. 

And if you're ever passing through this lovely state, it's a quick trip off the highway, and well worth the new perspective.