Thanks to Brenda Schaap and Rela Hansz for bringing life to Bayani's Bridge and Jojo's Secret Pocket. They both created wonderful illustrations. It was fun working with Brenda and Rela, and I admired their artistic talents more and more as the stories developed. Thank you so much.
Illustrator Rela Hansz for Jojo's Secret PocketRela lived in Africa for nine years, growing up in Swaziland and Kenya. She is an Art major and a 2011 graduate of Dordt College, Sioux Center, Iowa. She is pictured at the Spring Art Show at the college.
Rela recently married and is now living in Canada with her husband.
****************************************************************************************************************
Illustrator Brenda Schaap for Bayani's Bridge
While growing up, I dreamed
of being a fashion designer. With my rural Midwest background, that was a huge
dream! But I spent my free time sketching girls wearing unique clothing that I
had designed. During high school and college, I even went so far as to take
some clothes, like my coats, apart and resew them in different-- not the most
flattering-- styles. Eventually I did advance beyond that, earn my BA degree at
Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA, and become an art educator.
Along the way, I have
enjoyed the support of my husband, Glenn, our sons and their wives. Our sons’
interest in computers inspired me to improve my skills in technology. In 2003,
I earned a master’s degree from Morningside College in Sioux City, IA, in
technology-based education, and am currently working in a library-media center.
In my leisure time, I enjoy
sketching and working with charcoals or pastel chalks. My favorite activities
also include reading, photography, walking, biking, and especially, spending
time with my five grandchildren!