Yesterday (Friday) was easily one of the most fun, rewarding, and wonderful experiences I've had as an artist. I discovered something I love just as much as animals and painting, and that is talking with students about animals and painting! I had the honor and pleasure of being a presenter at the Arden Cahill Academy's annual Whale Fest. Arden Cahill Academy is a 12-acre campus providing an incredible caliber of education and enrichment to students ages 2 months (yes, they have an infant center!) to eighth grade. Whale Fest is a day during which the students engage with professionals, do crafts, dance to live music, and generally have a big festival. 

My day started with a presentation to third grade, in which I discussed how I create paintings in the Notebook Series, why I paint animals (because I think they're worth honoring), and how I integrate travel and a vegan lifestyle into my business and passion for art. When a student raised her hand and asked if I like to use oil or acrylic paints, I knew I had met my match! These students were insightful, fun, and engaged. From the first to the last, the presentations to different grades were interactive and participatory, as I found I enjoyed hearing from the students and tailoring each presentation to their questions and interests. Over the course of Whale Fest, I made friends with teachers and educators and was consistently amazed by the students. They are each so unique, smart, and vibrant!

Below is a pic taken during my talk. I was happy to see the kids loved the koala, and the alligator was a BIG crowd pleaser given its ties to Louisiana culture.

The day was a jam-packed whirlwind of good vibes. The students were happy as they spent the day getting their faces painted, rock climbing, dancing, and hearing from authors and artists. Below was my schedule for the day: 

8:30 - 9am - 3rd grade (44 students)
9 - 9:30 - 7th grade (35 students)
9:30 - 10am - pre-3 year olds (50 students)
10 - 10:30 - kindergarten (20 students)
10:30 - 11:30 - break/lunch
11:30 - 12pm - 5th grade (40 students)
12 - 12:30pm - 1st grade (46 students)
12:30 - 1pm - break/lunch
1 - 1:30pm - 4th grade (46 students)
1:30 - 2pm - 6th grade (52 students)
2 - 2:30pm - 8th grade (29 students)

Crazy, right?! But so fun. Each age group had its memorable moment. The pre-3 year olds were particularly funny. They loved yelling out the names of different animals as I held up prints, and at the end of the presentation they all wanted a hug! Who could ask for anything better?!

One of the sweetest moments of the day came at the end, which was nice because I was a bit sad to see it was over! Cahill Academy owner Kelly Cahill—a fan of my work and the woman who recruited me for the event—gave me a brass whale keepsake to remember the day by. I currently have it on my bedside table, and am in love with it! It's already gorgeous and something I would love; add to that the sentimental value and it is an extra special souvenir. I'll take a moment here to thank Kelly for including me in the Academy's wonderful event. A special thanks also to Whale Fest coordinator Beth Mastio! And also, as always, to my mom, for EVERYTHING! In particular, she made sure everything went smoothly so the students could have the best time possible. Mom was there the whole day, and we both had a great time. We were grateful to be there and honored to celebrate the special day with the students.

If you've been to Cocoally (our second shop in the New Orleans French Quarter) chances are you've had the pleasure of meeting our wonderful employee, Scott Sweren.  Scott comes to us from just outside Baltimore, Maryland, and has become an integral part of the Cocoally image and experience. His enthusiasm and joie-de-vivre are contagious! Mix his attitude with his expertise, and he's a customer-oriented guru who can't be beat. 

Next time you're in the Quarter, stop by Cocoally (630 St Anne Street) and help us welcome Scott to the team. You're guaranteed to leave with a new friend. Cocoally is open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Scott can be reached at Scott@Cocoally.com and via cell at (443) 797-2492.