I was thrilled last fall to be invited by Jonathan Graffius, PK-5 Outdoor Nature-based Art Teacher at the Amanda C. Rowe School, to visit their stellar school. When I told them about my new book, Skywatcher, the ball got rolling for an all-school star gazing event that was months in the planning.
I finally made a virtual visit last Friday afternoon!
After reading the book to students, I shared a little back story, like this photo of me when I was in fourth grade.
I shared one of the few pieces of kid art I have, a card made for my Grammy that my mum saved.
That collage approach bears a resemblance to my illustration for the Star Gazing column in the Island Times about ten years ago, doesn’t it?
I answered questions from students, like what’s my zodiac sign and my favorite constellation? (A: Libra and Cassiopeia) Eeeeek, here I am looming large in the library!
In the evening, I ferried over to Portland for my first in-person school visit in what feels like forever. I knew I was in the right place when I saw all the amazing art lining the halls!
Everywhere, there were exuberant paintings of the galaxy, a sure sign this event was embraced on many levels. In the gym, volunteers were cutting up my mask templates and folding zines. Cool!
Popcorn and hot chocolate was ready. Yum!
Outside, folks from the Southern Maine Astronomers were setting up their telescopes. Brilliant!
I ran into my dear friend and colleague in kidlit, Maryann Cocca-Leffler, in attendance with her beloved neighbors, Theo and Louise Davis. Maryann, a star in children’s books herself, gave me much support during the development of my book.
By then, the bundled up crowd had gathered. And what a turn-out!
I gave away postcards and stickers at my table, which was a mess of book dummies, pastels, pencils, props, and sketchbooks. I met so many starry students!
How about this beautiful luna moth?
Say hello to these friendly Star Bears!
Kids are curious about my materials. I had a box of Terry Ludwig pastels and small pieces of the sand paper on hand for them to try. Look at this mini masterpiece with shooting stars over a green landscape!
Several students gave me their creations, and I autographed some of theirs:) Thank you!!
Meanwhile, outside the telescopes were getting plenty of action.
The school turned off the parking lot lighting, hooray! It was a new moon, a clear sky, and perfect but for some light pollution towards the Maine Mall.
Between the telescope time, kids dashing about in the dark, flowing through the halls, drawing, dancing, and just being together, this was a star party for the books. I am so grateful my story provided the impetus for art and science to blast off!
Robert Burgess from the SMA later wrote: “…those of us at the Rowe Elementary School in Portland were in another world. If you ever wondered what it’s like to be in a giant molecular cloud of ionized gas, Friday night was it. Based on estimates from the school organizer the crowd consisted of 500 souls, probably 350 of whom were under the age of 10 and had boundless energy and excitement, much like free electrons blasted from their parent atoms!”
Jonathan also wrote, “The community participation and attendance far exceeded everyone’s expectations and dreams. The energy surrounding the whole event was positive and amazing. The evening felt like a time of “Post-Covid” healing for the community and school. It felt more “normal” than we have experienced in a long time.”
Indeed, the enthusiasm I felt was off the charts. Thank you, Rowe School, for a truly cosmic star party celebrating the night sky!
Next up, I will be a guest at the Dark Sky Maine‘s virtual meeting on March 21. In April, I am a visiting artist at the Merry Barn on Earth Day, followed by a public star-gazing event in the evening. Details HERE.
As we head into spring, the weather will allow for longer time in the dark. Keep looking up, skywatchers!
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