Discovering Communities Through Drawing

In the beginning of 2013 I had the wonderful opportunity of being selected as one of two artists for the DDR Artist in Residence program. My intention was to authentically connect with the community on each of my trips. Through the collection of stories, memories and artwork, I was able to visually find the voice of each location. Each picture has a unique story. Children and adults alike share their artistic vision of the shopping centers. My illustrations for these chapters were inspired by the beautiful artwork I collected and the amazing people I met along the way. Thank you to everyone who contributed in a special way to this project.

In the beginning of 2013 I had the wonderful opportunity of being selected as one of two artists for the DDR Artist in Residence program. My intention was to authentically connect with the community on each of my trips. Through the collection of stories, memories and artwork, I was able to visually find the voice of each location. Each picture has a unique story. Children and adults alike share their artistic vision of the shopping centers. My illustrations for these chapters were inspired by the beautiful artwork I collected and the amazing people I met along the way. Thank you to everyone who contributed in a special way to this project.

After earning her BFA in illustration at the Cleveland Institute of Art, Suzanne McGinness traveled to the United Kingdom to pursue a master's degree in Children's Book illustration at Anglia Ruskin University, the first college to offer such a program. During her coursework McGinness created what would become her first published picture book, My Bear Griz, and her story of friendship was awarded a White Raven Award when it was exhibited at the 2012 Bologna Children's Book Fair.