Sylvan Gallery invites art and book lovers of all ages to a special joint book signing with Laura "Dee" Winslow, artist and children's book illustrator, and Tonya Shevenell, Maine-based author and publisher, on Friday, July 25, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The books available for signing and purchase at the event include: "The Maine Birthday Book," "Hop Onward Rabbit Rabbit: A New England Cottontail’s Journey," and "The Moon Over Malibu Maine." If a collector has already purchased any of these, please feel free to bring your copy to be signed by both the artist and author! Children are welcome, and there will be lemonade and chocolate chip cookies to enjoy!

Winslow, who lives in Indiana, visits Maine each year to spend time with her cousin, photographer Nina Fuller, on her sheep farm in Hollis. It was there, during the 2018 lambing season, that she met Tonya Shevenell - a friend of Nina’s and a longtime storyteller who has been telling tales through independent film and music for years. One year later, the two signed a contract, and what began as a farm visit grew into a creative partnership that has produced three picture books - with a fourth on the way.

Meanwhile, Winslow also shares a long creative friendship with gallery owner Ann Scanlan, who began representing her work in the early days of owning the gallery. This gathering at Sylvan Gallery reflects a warm circle of artistic connection. Scanlan was captivated by Winslow’s watercolors for their striking narrative quality and for the loose yet controlled touch she brings to her dynamic interpretations of nature. They reflect an intimate observation of the world around her - particularly florals, landscapes, and still lifes - with many including bumblebees, butterflies or delicately painted birds nestled into the scenes. A selection of Laura Winslow's original watercolor and acrylic paintings will be on view and available to be purchased - including a handful of original illustrations featured in the children's books. It's a rare opportunity to own the artwork behind the pages - and to meet both the artist and the author behind these beloved stories.

For more information, call Ann Scanlan at 207-882-8290 or visit www.sylvangallery.com. You can also find Sylvan Gallery on Instagram and Facebook. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m to 4 p.m. and located at 49 Water St., Wiscasset, on the corner of Main (Route 1) and Water streets, next to Red’s Eats.