This group picture includes the six students in the initial Children’s Books Illustration Certificate course, which is part of the Masters in Children’s Literature Program at Hollins University. The program was launched last summer, and the group calls themselves the “guinea pigs.”

The four women standing are the instructors and teach drawing, color media, writing and drafting. The program is led by Ruth Sanderson. The dog is our mascot.

The certificates were especially made for us by the instructors. The border is made using block printing. The lettering is calligraphy done by another instructor, and the coloring is added by several of them. They are quite lovely and unique and a true treasure to own.

– Submitted by Faye Caldwell