I recently finished illustrating a new storybook published by WECAN (Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America), now available from their bookshop. The stories, rhythmically told, with opportunities for movement and gesture, by longtime teacher and therapist Wendalyn von Meyenfeldt, are suitable for anyone working with young children.
It seems fitting to celebrate the MLKing holiday with a new book by author and medical anthropologist Faith Mitchell, Emma’s Postcard Album. The book features a collection of postcards sent and received by a young African-American woman between 1906 and 1910, set within their larger context, along with newspaper clippings and other archival material—an unusual multiple-focus approach (visual/written; intimate/panoramic; memoir/history) that will interest all ages. I include a link to the University Press of Mississippi website; it is also available from many online booksellers as well as our beloved local DC bookstore Politics and Prose.
Here, a recently completed graphic design project for the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America: Please, Can We Play Games? by Ruth Ker. The book offers the author’s forty years of creating, collecting, and playing traditional and original verses, songs, and games for early childhood circle time or home play. You can learn more on the WECAN website.
Maura
On the eve of our departure (see June 7th) I finished last adjustments to the design and illustrations and sent off the files for a new book by early childhood educator Nancy Blanning. Walking with Our Children: The Parent as Companion and Guide is a collection of essays on practical and enjoyable ways to approach parenthood with courage and a sense of freedom. Published by the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America.
Eryn
Playing It Up…With Loose Parts, Playpods, and Adventure Playgrounds is a book I designed for the Alliance for Childhood about nature centers, parks, and playgrounds that offer open-ended environments and materials to children, in response to the rapidly dwindling opportunities modern children have for creative play.
Recent studies demonstrate the failure on multiple levels of academic-based kindergarten programs, early testing, and screen time for young children, and this book describes one element of a movement to restore genuine play to childhood. Just out and available now.
Please click on the image to read about the lineup of upcoming concerts. Then see May 16th’s post for more information.
(This brochure is one of my recent springtime projects.)
Connie
If you have never attended any of the concerts by candlelight held in Georgetown’s beautiful old Dumbarton Church (remodeled in 1897!), then you are missing a lovely treat. Now in its 34th year, the concert series runs the gamut from classical to modern, both instrumental and vocal, each season thoughtfully designed to give us a variety of music, beloved favorites and fresh, engaging new performers. Check out the website for more information.
Tomorrow I will post the description of the new season’s concerts.
Anne
I’ll bet you thought I was about to announce an alternative to fossil fuels, or at least an exciting new political candidate.
No, tonight is the opening reception for a new exhibition in the Bob Hope Gallery at the Library of Congress on which my husband has been working for the past several months. It’s one of many history exhibitions he’s created for the LOC over the years. Hope for America: Performers, Politics & Pop Culture explores the involvement of entertainers in politics throughout the 20th century, often through satirical commentary, sometimes through direct participation. There is also a moving segment on Hope’s work for the USO entertaining troops all over the world, which he did for SEVENTY YEARS. The exhibition features film and television clips and radio broadcasts as well as photos, letters, sheet music, and other artifacts to tell the story.
If you are in the DC area, come visit! I’ll bet you could use a few belly laughs. (This is the cover of the brochure I designed for the exhibit.)
Agnès
