Hello! I grateful you have stopped by my page to read about my newest project: Water Conservation and Literacy Project geared to our children in Colorado! I am a Colorado born native and have lived in our colorful state for 69 years. As a young child I have been fortunate enough to explore the banks of many of Colorado rivers and waterways. From the time I could wade in the icy cold brooks near Mount Princeton, I knew that nature was extraordinary. The sights, sounds of Chalk Creek—birds chattering, a trout leaping out of the water, and the smell of mountain sage, aspen and pine were like magic to me. I felt like I was part of the natural world around me.

I am so pleased to tell you about a vision I had in 2007, while journaling in my notebook. I had just finished writing my third book, Searching for Chipeta: The Story of a Ute and Her People (Winner of the 2005 Mountains and Plains Booksellers Award) (Fulcum Publishing, 2005). Then I wrote a book, We are the Noochew: A Brief History of the Ute People and their Colorado Connection (Winner of a 2005 Evvy Award from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association). As I wrote about Chipeta and the Ute, I begin to really understand the connections humans have to our natural surroundings, and just how critical they are to our health and well being—not just physical but mentally too. I realized just how important it was to share this knowledge with children and their families, so that we can work together to honor Mother Earth and help keep her healthy for future generations.

In 2007, I drew sketches of my exhibit vision, and painted a few river images in my bold and colorful style. The artwork sold immediately. It was thrilling. But the time to create these pieces was not right. in 2007-2008 I was invited by the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma to help them co-author and co-illustrate and coordinate four book projects for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma for their children. The Tsitsistas Journey: An Introduction to Cheyenne History (Preschool-2nd Grade); The Tsitsistas: People of the Plains (3rd Grade-6th Grade); The Hinono’ei Way of Life: An Introduction to Arapaho History (Preschool-2nd Grade); and The Prairie Thunder People: A Brief History of the Hinono’ei (3rd Grade-6th Grade) all became a reality. Each time I worked with the tribe and heard the stories of Elders and Holy Men, my love of the Earth deepened. It would take me another 19 years to see my vision come to fruition, as I developed a vision impairment that required me to permanently block my right eye. Still I painted and painted, and wrote my book, Wild and Wonderful: A Child’s Guide to the Arkansas River and the Creatures that Live There ( Harmony House Art Studio, 2026). My first exhibit was held at the gorgeous Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center (Buell Children’s Museum) from September 2025-Spring of 2026. It was a thrill to see the pieces up on the walls, and surrounded by a multitude of gorgeous props and activities for children!

My newest exhibit is currently showing at the Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center in Canon City, Colorado. They, too, have gone out of their way to create a very interactive exhibit for children and adults, featuring my artwork (it is touchable) and great activities. My plan is to give away copies of my books to children who visit the exhibits. It supports educating our children about Colorado’s rivers and waterways, as well as conservation, and observing nature. My book is a way to enhance literacy while becoming you conservationists for our future generations. We must! Without clean water, there is no life!

THE DREAM!‍ ‍ BOOKS FOR EVERYONE WHO ATTENDS MY EXHIBITS!

I have had offers to help me pay for printing of 5,000-10,000 books to be given away at all exhibits and to school children in Colorado. I was hesitant to take money from friends or patrons. But, here is what came to me in a dream this morning on November 1st. I needed to find sponsors to help me meet my printing costs. I would sell the books in lots, send a signed copy to the purchaser, and then give out the other copies to visitors at the exhibits. I do not charge museums or organizations for loaning my paintings. It is to keep this exhibit moving from one location to another, to share in the story of Water Conservation and Literacy! Photos of the exhibits and a list of sponsors would appear on my website and Facebook Page. Together we could make it possible for all kids to attend the exhibits and receive a book they can take home. The book includes details about the exhibit, the creatures, and there are interactive pages for the children to participate in. Large or small, every order will make a difference! It’s a vision I believe in!

Book includes: 58 pages of natural history of the Arkansas River, Colorado’s Ancient Waterways, Animals in River Habitats, Birth of the Arkansas River, Fish Facts, Insects, Microscopic Life Forms and More!

Glossy UV protected cover, black and white art inside, and saddle stitch. Retail Price Normally: $11.95.

Prices for book package to be given away by sponsor, click on this link.