Off the Beaten Path Illustrator Retreat by Jen Boehler

October 20th brought unseasonably late peak color to northern Michigan - so perfectly timed, driving through it could be described as delightfully distracting.  This day also brought 8 mostly unacquainted illustrators scattered across the state (plus one Hoosier!) to a charming log cabin tucked in the Tustin woods to connect over art, community, and children’s literature.  As we all arrived, the welcoming nature of a babbling nearby brook, canopied trail, and logs stacked by the wood stove were surpassed only by the warmth of our company.  It was going to be an unforgettable fall retreat.  

After our initial hellos and a stroll down the wooded trail, our kitchen was put to work, with food flowing out almost continuously over the next two days.  We got acquainted with minimal trepidation and lots of laughter (and flannel and knits and slippers) over dinner.  As the next few hours flew by, we ended our first evening on the floor, wood stove blazing, eagerly passing piles of children’s books around to share our favorites.  It only ended because one of us prompted the group with shock to “look at the time.”  We had a busy schedule the next day.

After breakfast, all 8 of us piled into one vehicle to make the 20 minute trek to neighboring Cadillac for a library talk.  The beautiful fall color made an appearance again with clear skies and plenty of oohs and aahs emanating from our packed car.  Our host at the library graciously shared book after book - her favorites, kids’ favorites and parents’ favorites.  It was refreshing to hear what our target audience loves to read, and encouraging to know there is a place for each of us out there in the publishing world.  We all walked out with knowledge, insight, and an “I can do this” spirit.

The second activity of the day introduced us to Sierra LaRose of Bear Earth Herbals, a forager living closely with the land to educate, create products, and keep the ancient tradition of herbalism alive.  Sierra tailored a workshop specifically to our group based on utilizing our senses to view nature through a fresh lens.  We tasted and analyzed an herbal brew, deconstructed overlooked features of a single stem wildflower, and wrote correspondence to a plant (then crafted a response from the plant in return).  We learned about the plethora of medicinal value held by the trees and weeds just outside our cabin door, arming us with an arsenal of plant-powered takeaways to battle a multitude of ailments.

Our second night was much the same as the first, only this time with a portfolio share after dinner.  Gathered around the fire and munching on lemon semolina cake, we learned about each other’s accomplishments, skills, and goals. We asked for advice and offered it as needed, ending the night only, again, because of the time.   

This glorious weekend that brought together illustrators spanning 4 decades in age and a vast range of experience sadly had to come to an end the following day.  Though we left with fresh creative energy and picture book insight, perhaps the most cherished takeaway were the new friendships formed.  As perfectly stated by attendee Nicole Ray, “We started out as strangers but by the end were laughing and teasing and talking over each other in the best possible way.”  Until next time, friends.

Jen Boehler, Michigan Co-Illustrator Coordinator, is an illustrator, graphic designer and author working on a hobby farm in Saginaw, Michigan. Before pursuing children’s literature, Jen worked as a freelance editorial illustrator, graphic designer, interior/event designer and owned her own line of Michigan travel apparel. She has degrees in both art/graphic design and interior design.