I cannot express how excited I am to present my art teacher, Kaylon Khorsheed, as our featured Artist of the Month. She has challenged me in ways that I didn't know I needed; she works through problems with my ceramics even when I am frustrated with a piece - and not just to talk me out of putting it in the slop bin. She makes sure to spend time with everyone in the class, helping them with their goals and projects.

While perusing Grand Rapids Comic Con's artist gallery for the fifth time, we found ourselves looking at one place in particular. His work stood out to me, not only because of the smiling crowd gathered around the joyful booth, but also because of the extreme detail of each work, which pulls you in, wanting to see every little thing hand-crafted by artist Kyle Hagey.

It was the headline that drew me in: "One artist's quest to capture her travels led to these stunning portraits of wild women." 

One of the questions I hear most often is from families looking to expand their kids’ appreciation of art. I’ve written 7 Tips for teaching your kids to appreciate art museums to answer just that question.

Gorgeous colors, rich with the natural beauty of our earth. A keen eye, to see birds, waves, sunsets, and the talent to be able to capture it perfectly. A respite from today's busy digital world, where I can sit, breathe, and imagine. Those reasons - and more - are why I follow Angela Hennessy, our Artist of the Month, on Instagram and other social media platforms. Her art is beautiful, keen, sharp, and evocative. Even if I'm sitting inside during a Michigan snowstorm, I feel as if, even for a minute, that I am somewhere else in the world, with her and the creatures she so lovingly paints.