Melissa Gardner
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artgardner.bsky.social
Melissa Gardner
@artgardner.bsky.social
illustrator/storyteller, psychotherapist, mom and maker of magic! 🏳️‍🌈& ND
www.melissagardnerart.com
Rep’d by @sandraproudman.bsky.social
@galltzacker.bsky.social
#kidlit #kidlitart #illustrator
It’s #earthday today and I’m reminded of this poster I made several years ago. Sadly it’s all still true today. Climate change is real and we humans aren’t the only ones feeling its effects—but we are the only ones who can stop it!
April 22, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Eugene, OR!
We were all spread out lining the blocks so it’s hard to appreciate how many were out there, but we showed up!!!
April 19, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Hi! It’s still #portfolioday in my neck of the woods!

I’m an adolescent psychotherapist turned author/illustrator of picture books & beyond.
I love stories full of human connection, natural beauty and sprinkles of magic.
Rep’d by @sandraproudman.bsky.social
See more at
www.melissagardnerart.com
April 9, 2025 at 5:52 AM
Eugene, OR was there with you in spirit, Portland!
April 5, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Hey #kidlitartpostcard! Can’t believe April showers are here!
I’m a storyteller/illustrator living in the rainy & majestic Pacific NW. I’m looking for new projects from #picturebooks thru YA.
I’m rep’d by @sandraproudman.bsky.social
And you can see more at
www.melissagardnerart.com
#kidlitart
April 4, 2025 at 4:19 AM
Thanks for posting this! I don’t know if this would suit what you have in mind, but I often use abstract paintings to create the backgrounds and/or details in my work.
Please check out www.melissagardnerart.com if you want to see more.
Thanks!
April 1, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Hi #kidlitartpostcard day!

With everything going on, this illo might be just how I’m feeling these days but I’m still plugging away, making art in the beautiful Pacific NW!

I love making things full of heart, poetry & a bit of magic!

www.melissagardnerart.com
Rep’d by @sandraproudman
at GZLA.
March 7, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Just saw both these posts back to back. #kidlit peeps know that kids’ books/libraries are political, ethical & historical battlegrounds.

If it’s unclear which side I’m on, I’ll say that kids’ books should represent ALL kids, families, imaginings and histories bc that’s free speech and equality!
February 16, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Will these do?
And can I say we were all delighted to hear that announcement!
February 4, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Still can’t believe it but my portfolio got a silver award at the #SCBWIwinterConference2025. Thanks for the boost of confidence and encouragement #SCBWI!
I needed that!
And congrats to the gold and bronze winners,
@karenstantonart.bsky.social, Amelia Bothe and Shannon McNeill!
#kidlit #kidlitart
February 3, 2025 at 10:42 PM
The world is on 🔥 & I’m going to the #SCBWI winter conference!
Why? With so much going wrong, it’s more important than ever to grow community and make art! So if you’re going to this weekend, lmk and hopefully we’ll find a way to connect!
& here’s a preview of my promo card. #kidlit #kidlitart
January 29, 2025 at 6:09 PM
With an actual ceasefire being reported (I can’t believe it!) there is still so much need. Come bid on some amazing opportunities while helping others who have lost so much.
#kidlit #kidlitillustrators #writingcommunity
#kidlit4ceasefire
January 15, 2025 at 7:31 PM
I have a small series of illustrations inspired by Sendak’s In the Night Kitchen that I’d be willing to share. I think I take more of his concepts than technique, but this illustration has both.
January 14, 2025 at 5:23 AM
Want to help a few important causes while connecting with others in the #writingcommunity?
Here’s your chance to donate! Bidding starts January 15!
#kidlit
#kidlitillustrators
January 11, 2025 at 7:31 PM
So cool to see! Sendak, shows up in my work all the time too. This is from a series I called the ‘Day Kitchen’
December 1, 2024 at 9:48 PM
Well that looks amazing! And chilly! Tell Kaiser that my big dogs, Phoebe and Dilly, wish they were with him instead of enduring endless rain in Oregon, US. My little yorkiepoo would rather stay with me tho, bc the snow is certainly above her head at this point!
November 27, 2024 at 4:29 AM
I’ve always hidden behind my art on social media, but I think I’ll try showing my face/life here a bit more than some of those other places. And so…
Here are my doggos. They had never been allowed on the couch before I got them this blanket. It’s their couch now!
November 21, 2024 at 6:49 AM
Thanks for doing this!
November 20, 2024 at 4:57 PM
Did someone say green?

Yes, now it’s your turn!💚💚💚
#kidlit #kidlitart #illustration #painting
November 17, 2024 at 3:17 AM
Hello!
I am just getting my feet wet again on here again! It’s inspiring to see all the new illustrators #kidlit peeps on here.

I’m a picture book author/illustrator in the beautiful PNW.

This is a recent piece of mine, inspired by the art of Seth Clark.

#artshare
November 15, 2024 at 1:57 AM
November 13, 2023 at 7:19 PM
Woohoo! My favorite day of the year- #folktaleweek is here!

This is the start of my story, kicking off #folktaleweek2023 with #folktaleweeklost

I’ll post the start of the story in the comments😊
November 13, 2023 at 7:16 PM
Are there many fellow #folktaleweek friends here?

How’s it going? Are you working w/ a beloved tale or venturing out on your own?
I’m making up my own story but this little lady didn’t make the cast of characters. She is edite d out, so she needed a place to recoup for a bit!
#kidlit
November 7, 2023 at 8:02 PM
Popping in here to say happy #kidlitartpostcard day!

I’m a mixed media artist looking for projects from #picturebooks thru #YA

I’m rep’d by Sandra Proudman at GZLA and
you can find more of my work at:
www.melissagardnerart.com
November 3, 2023 at 4:18 AM
Wow! Thanks so much for offering this! I feel like my portfolio could use some fresh perspective, so thanks for considering!
October 27, 2023 at 5:14 PM