Published Works
Rise Up Against Racism
This free-to-download Heroes of the Last Frontier Graphic Novel represents collaboration between the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights, and the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission to bring to life the struggles and triumphs of individuals that changed Alaska's history. This commission required writing and illustrating stories from the ground up through months of research and interfacing with descendants of these real-life heroes to create storylines designed to entertain middle-school-aged children while inspiring them about human rights and teaching Alaska history.
Chapter 1 - Tillie and William Paul: What was it like for little Tillie to be whisked away on a 600-mile canoe trip to a place she didn't know? Or to be betrothed at age 12? Her adventure eventually leads to arrest and a court trial where she is represented by her controversial son, William Paul Sr., using his "Toilet Paper" defense.
Chapter 2 - Elizabeth Peratrovich: Elizabeth Peratrovich is one of the most pivotal Native rights activists in Alaskan history. Though Elizabeth endured the many horrors of racism and witnessed how it affected Alaska Native Peoples throughout Alaska - she didn't take it sitting down!
Chapter 3 - The 97th Regiment: When three southern African American teens find themselves on a boat to Alaska, they have no idea what they are in for. As their Army regiment breaks trail to build the Alcan (Alaska) Highway, they endure isolation, hatred, and killer cold.
A full-resolution (large) version is available for printing
upon request; free to all educators worldwide.
Equal Rights Activity Book
If you are looking for an Activity Book that teaches the importance of equal rights, you are in the right place. This free book was commissioned by the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights and the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission to provide fun activities for all ages. As you progress through the book, the activities age up, so there's something for everyone. The book also includes contact information for local resources to aid anyone facing discrimination.
Alaska Map Illustrations
Passengers arriving in Alaska via cruise ship will receive a handy illustrated business map upon disembarking. In collaboration with the Alaska Small Business Development Center and Norwegian Cruise Line, this commission features a series of Alaska Map Illustrations to highlight small businesses in Hoonah, Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Haines, and Sitka, Alaska. If you would like to see the full multi-page brochure, click here.
Alaska Trees Exhibit
If you visit the Alaska Public Lands Information Center (APLIC) in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, you will come across a forest of hand-drawn trees towering 14-19 feet tall. This Alaska Trees Exhibit, commissioned by APLIC for a permanent exhibit featuring black spruce, western hemlock, quaking aspen, and Sitka spruce printed on scrims (lightweight woven fabrics used for stage effects). The scrims are hung around a life-sized cabin and moose so visitors can have an immersive experience in an Alaskan forest.
Junior Ranger Books
Below is a collection of select illustrations from four Junior Ranger Books designed and illustrated for the Alaska Public Lands Information Center (APLIC). The first book – the Centennial Edition – possessed activities for all age groups; completion of which awarded a special edition metal Junior Ranger badge. The Centennial Edition book and badges were limited to circulation in 2016.
The three remaining Junior Ranger Books are still in circulation. Each book is dedicated to different age groups, with an Alaskan animal “host” to guide participants through activities. The ages 3-6 book features Oli the Sea Otter, the ages 7-12 book features Calgary the Caribou, and the ages 13+ book features Emsley the Bald Eagle. The books feature learning activities that teach children Alaska's flora, fauna, cultural heritage, and conservation.
All books (except the Centennial Edition) are free for pick up from APLIC in downtown Anchorage (605 West 4th Avenue #105, Anchorage, AK 99501). Alternatively, interested parties can request books be mailed by calling the center at (907) 644-3680.
Sips of Soup Book
In Sitka, Alaska, one might run across a local magazine featuring short stories in each edition; these stories are titled Sips of Soup. Over the years, author - Lois Verbaan - gathered these stories into one place, a book by the same name. The book features full-color covers and monochromatic illustrations within. The front cover was intended to appear like your everyday scene in coastal Alaska, until you notice it's all served in a bowl of soup!
Creek Cleanup Poster
The Anchorage Waterways Council hosts a local Creek Cleanup each summer to support healthy waterways for the community and the environment. This commissioned poster was used for several years to promote the annual clean-up around Anchorage. A limited edition aluminum print of the poster was auctioned for one of the organization's fundraisers.
Fisheries Poster
The Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society commissioned this conference poster for "Expanding Perspectives of Fisheries" for their 35th annual meeting hosted in Anchorage.
DragonWorld Book
Check the local bookstore or Amazon.com for DragonWorld by IMPACT Books (ISBN10/13:144030873X/9781440308734). The book features artwork, inspiration, drawing tips, and profiles for 43 artists worldwide. My profile and two of my dragons are featured in the book: one full-page dragon is part of the book's introduction, and the other is a full-page paired with my profile.
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