Officials of the Strasburg-Heisler Library were pleased to host a “Big Reveal Party” on Saturday, April 18th at 11:00 am at the library. The ‘big reveal’ was the unveiling of an 8’ x 4’ mural based on author Lynne Dempsey’s new book entitled, Colors. The illustrator of the book, Mandy Newham-Cobb, created the wall mural that is located in the children’s section of the library. The celebration included the release of Colors with a meet and greet of both the author and illustrator, and the star of Lynne’s first book Take the Dog Out, Coco! Children and their families attended the event and had the opportunity to meet the author and the illustrator.
Dempsey had worked with the Strasburg-Heisler Library Director, Kristin Fernitz at the conception of Take the Dog Out, which was her first book. During that time the library was deep in renovation plans, which turned out to be a perfect time to agree to Dempsey’s offer to donate a customized art piece for the children’s area of the library. Fernitz and Children’s Librarian JJ Landis, offered ideas and suggestions as to what should be included in the mural. Artist Mandy Newham-Cobb sent several mock ups until confirming the final artwork. Of the project, Fernitz states, “This is an incredible gift to the community that I get to enjoy every day!”
Excited by the idea of having her book be the inspiration for a mural, author Dempsey said, “I am excited and humbled that an illustration from the Take the Dog Out series will be on the wall of the Strasburg-Heisler Library. The Strasburg-Heisler Library is my local library, and it has a special place in my heart.”
Children who visit the library and attend storytimes will benefit by having a new design gracing the wall of the children’s section of the library according to JJ Landis, Children’s librarian, “Children will recognize Coco and the other characters in this colorful, cheerful mural from their new favorite books.”
About the Author
Lynne Dempsey is an award-winning author of the Take the Dog Out series. “Take the Dog Out!” is a Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Winner, USA Best Book Awards Finalist, and a Global EBook Award Nominee.)
About the Illustrator
Mandy Newham-Cobb is a lefty vegetarian artist and illustrator living right outside of Philly. Mandy is Creative Director for Expedition Self, an illustrator for Portland’s music & interview program Sessions from the Box (hosted by James Dineen), a bi-monthly contributor to “Smoky Mountain Living”, and a member of The Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
She is the illustrator of several children’s books including: Razzmatazz!; Bullet Joe: A Kansas City Monarch; The Little Brown Hen; Sadie: The Paper Crown Princess; Mr. Roodles’s Noodles…a compendium of Appalachian folklore; Appalachian Bestiary with author and winner of the 2012 NC Award Winner for Literature, Gary Carden, and most recently two books in the Take the Dog Out series… (Take the Dog Out and Take the Dog Out: Numbers!)
She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Florida State University and her Master of Fine Arts in Drawing at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.