Last week, we had the honor of hosting prolific artist and illustrator, Vanessa Brantley-Newton. She is an award-winning artist, author and vocalist who dazzled our fourth grade art students and teaching staff. After sharing a history about how she was inspired to be an artist by Ezra Jack Keats and her family, she allowed the students to look at several beautiful illustrations she has created. The students were impressed with her work and excited by the fact that they had read several of the books she has illustrated. They also learned about the process of creating a book from start to finish and that she has illustrated over 60 children's book. Vanessa's grand finale included singing to and with the students. Her voice is phenomenal. Many students rushed to hug and greet her at the end of the presentation. Helping students to make real world connections through art is one of the most important things that we do. The impact Vanessa had on our students was amazing.