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"I've been writing since I was very young, about 7. I
kept journals and wrote things down for years. I always knew
I was supposed to be a teacher and a writer. Being a
librarian combines my love for books and my love for sharing
them with others." T.K. Cassidy, a resident of the
island of Guam, mother of 2, grandmother of 6, great grandmother of 1 and lover of
all things Irish, talks about her writing and trying to get
her stories published.
"I refused to believe the big name publishers when they
turned me down!" Cassidy's usually smiling blue eyes flash
when she says, "They all said 'we love your stories but the
potential readership is too small' to consider publishing
them. When you know some thing is true in your heart, it
might be hard to convince everyone else but it will work -
if you just keep on believing it yourself."
Former Children's Librarian for the Territory of Guam who
has returned teaching school, Cassidy is also a storyteller and
lecturer. "I started writing and telling stories to try to
instill a love for books in my 1100 grand kids at Upi
Elementary, my first school librarian job. Things just grew
and grew. Now I find I have finally discovered my true
vocation. I always suspected I was a closet "ham" but was
always too shy to try it out. It's great fun to get up in
front of a group of kids and become someone else, like the
lady who can call dolphins from the sea , my signature story
and second book. I've also discovered my stories translate
nicely to other cultures. I told stories at the Blueberry
Storytelling Festival in Popularville Mississippi and at the
University of Southern Mississippi in the summer of 1995.
There were no language problems. The people there liked them
just as much as people here do!"
After 8 years on island, Cassidy recently returned to the
Mainland and makes her home in Tunnel Hill, Georgia. She has recently remarried and is working on her doctorate at this time. She can still be reached
at
tkc@storylady.com
for more information about her books, but is not offering storytelling
workshops or school visits at this time. |
Like many wildlife painters in America, Livvy came to know her craft through an intimate familiarity with her natural surroundings. She was raised in South Central Alaska and now lives and paints in the Rogue Valley, Oregon. Livvy is a member of New York’s prestigious Society of Animal Artists and viewed by many as a premier nature artist and fervent conservationist. In 1998 she was chosen as one of six American “wildlife painters to watch” by InformArt magazine. Her most current recognition is an Award of Merit in the Grand National Celebration of Western Art in San Francisco, and inclusion in the recently released book titled Strokes of Genius - The Best of Drawing.
Today, Livvy works closely with Wildlife Images, arehabilitation and education center for North American wildlife. Her immediate contact with the animals and trainers reflects very well in her work, and proceeds from reproductions of paintings that profile a Wildlife Images’ animal go directly to the animal housing fund for creatures that must remain at the center.
Livvy and her husband, Chris, own and operate Irelock Imaging in Medford. Their giclée print and frame shop specializes in printing and selling premier fine art reproductions by regional, national, and international artist. Since their opening in the summer of 2001, they have built and expanded to offer many services essential to creating and presenting beautifully finished reproductions. Irelock continues to grow as they recently purchased the old Gandee Printing building at 625 Market Street, off Biddle, and merged MT’s U- Frame It into their successful endeavor. Irelock’s business philosophy is simple: encourage steady growth and continue to bring new and exciting energy to Southern Oregon’s art scene and beyond.
For further information concerning the artist, her originals or Giclée Fine Art Prints, contact:
IRELOCK IMAGING
625 Market Street
Medford, Oregon 97504
(541) 608-6133
www.irelock.com * info@irelock.com
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