Join three authors in our garden to hear about their books and how they create them. Frank Dobson, interim Diversity Officer at Otterbein has written a book with his daughter Jasmin about Cardiss Collins, the 4th Black Congresswoman; Phillip Martin, international art educator, illustrator, author, and creator of 62 community murals in 26 countries, will be sharing his latest book on a Liberian folk tale among others; Karen Meyer has authored 8 historical novels for middle grade readers and will be sharing her latest about the Underground Railroad in Ohio. Hanby House will be open for tours. Free and open to the public.
Author Bios:
Frank E. Dobson, Jr., Ph.D. has published two novels, Rendered Invisible: Stories of Blacks & Whites, Love & Death (2010, Plain View Press) and The Race is Not Given (1999, SterlingHouse). Frank has also published poetry, personal essays, short fiction, and scholarly work. Most recently, Frank has co-authored with his daughter, Jasmin Dobson, a book for young readers, Cardiss Collins: A Congresswoman with Courage. That book, on the 4th Black woman to serve in Congress will be in print later this year. Frank works at Otterbein University, as Interim Chief Diversity Officer, where he loves teaching and working with students.
Phillip Martin has always had a traveling bug. He traveled around some of the world before and during his time in the Peace Corps. Once he experienced life overseas in Liberia for an extended period, twenty years, he moved on to Morocco, the Philippines, Zambia, and Belgium where he taught art at international schools. In Africa he was introduced to the concept of community murals. Martin has painted 62 murals in 26 countries including in U.S. Embassies. During the pandemic trapped at home with his computer and art supplies, he began writing and illustrating children’s books. Some of the stories are folk tales that he has gathered along his journey. His most recent book is a Liberian folk tale that he collected as a Peace Corps volunteer. For more information, go to phillipmartin.com
Karen Meyer has authored eight historical novels for middle grade readers. She weaves real pioneers and events from Ohio's past into a mystery or adventure. Her passion for history began in her school days with field trips to Ohio’s historical sites. For nine years as an Air Force wife, she lived in places as far away as Labrador. Seeing new lands gave her a window on regional and national differences and confirmed an appreciation for her own Ohio roots. Karen visits classrooms and retirement centers in costume as Grandma Sarah, one of the characters in her first two novels. Ohio’s rich Underground Railroad history comes to life in her latest novel, Secrets in the Sky Nest. Visit her website - ohiofrontierhistorylady.com