It is amazing to imagine. When I read the Bible in the past, I was curious about the temple built by Solomon. Because it is written in great detail and beautifully in the Bible. I was curious about that magnificent and beautiful building. If I were a child in this era, I would have asked the AI ​​a question and drawn it beautifully like below. However, when I was a child, there was no way to draw a building that did not actually exist other than imagining it in my head.

​As described in the Bible, it is a magnificent stone building covered with gold, and at the entrance are two bronze columns (Jachin and Boaz). Inside, there is a sanctuary decorated with cherubim, palm trees, and floral patterns, and in the Most Holy Place is the Ark of the Covenant and a large golden cherubim. In the temple courtyard are the bronze Sea for purification and ten small bronze basins.

Imagination has always been an enjoyable play for me. The ability to envision something beyond reality brings endless excitement and curiosity. Inspired by these visions, I started drawing, turning my thoughts into visible forms. Art became a bridge between my imagination and the world, allowing me to express emotions, ideas, and untold stories. Even now, I love creating based on what I imagine. Art is not just about replicating what exists—it is about giving life to what the mind envisions. Through imagination, artists explore new perspectives, transform ideas into reality, and communicate beyond words. It fuels creativity, innovation, and personal expression. Whether it is a scene from history, a world yet to be discovered, or an abstract concept, imagination shapes the essence of artistic creation. The joy of visualizing and bringing those thoughts to life continues to inspire me, reinforcing my love for both creativity and artistic expression.

Continuing to draw new pictures and think of items needed for class is a continuous creative activity. Sometimes I feel tired of having to keep thinking of new things, but I always enjoy this work and take it as a challenge. Because imagining and creating ideas enriches our lives.

Experience the Creative Brilliance at Mills Pond Gallery’s Winners Showcase!
​
Are you ready to be inspired by the incredible talent of local artists? Join us at Mills Pond Gallery for the Winners Showcase, a special exhibition featuring nine exceptional artists who have been recognized for their outstanding creativity and artistic vision.

Event Details:
Location: Mills Pond Gallery, Smithtown Township
Reception Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Admission: FREE and open to the public!

This exciting exhibition celebrates the unique artistic voices of nine talented creators, each bringing their own perspective, technique, and style to the gallery walls.

Featured artists include:

• Marianne Andresen-Magin
• Ross Barbera
• Robert Berson
• Christopher L. Hanson
• Myungja Anna Koh
• Matthew Manthe
• Howard Pohl
• Adam D. Smith
• Nicholas Valentino
  
  

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of artistic expressions, from stunning landscapes and intricate drawings to evocative portraits and abstract compositions. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a collector, or simply looking for an afternoon filled with creativity, this showcase is the perfect event to engage with the local art community and appreciate the beauty of visual storytelling.
Don’t miss this chance to meet the artists, hear the stories behind their works, and support local talent. Mills Pond Gallery has long been a cultural hub for creativity, and this exhibition continues its tradition of fostering artistic excellence.
Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable afternoon of art and inspiration! See you there!

Today was the first meeting of 2025 for Moms Playground. It was a great opportunity to see the artwork of our member artist, Rebecca. 

This painting exudes a serene tropical ambiance, beautifully capturing the warmth of a sunset-lit beach. The expressive brushstrokes and rich color palette bring a sense of movement and life, from the swaying palm trees to the gentle waves meeting the shore. The blending of purples, pinks, and golden hues in the sky creates a dreamy, almost ethereal quality, making the scene feel both tranquil and vibrant. The composition is dynamic yet balanced, drawing the viewer into this peaceful coastal retreat. 

A storybook publishing club offers artist mothers a unique opportunity to combine their artistic talents with storytelling, fostering both creative fulfillment and professional growth. This collaborative space encourages members to share their experiences, illustrate meaningful stories, and develop their own artistic voice in children's literature. By working together, artist mothers can refine their skills in writing, illustration, and book design while receiving constructive feedback from peers.

Beyond creativity, the club serves as a strong support network, increasing positive effect for our good community. It provides a sense of community where members can exchange ideas, offer encouragement, and inspire each other. Through shared knowledge and resources, they gain insights into the publishing industry, including self-publishing, traditional publishing routes, and marketing strategies. Workshops, guest speakers, and collaborative projects further enhance their professional development.

Additionally, the club benefits families by creating books that reflect diverse cultural backgrounds, family values, and unique perspectives. Children witness their mothers' artistic and storytelling journeys, fostering a love for literature and creativity. These storybooks not only enrich young readers but also contribute to a more inclusive literary landscape.

By merging creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, a storybook publishing club empowers artist mothers to expand their artistic careers while leaving a lasting impact on future generations.

First storybook from Mom's playground!

This year, we formed Moms Playground, a group of talented artist moms. The members write and draw and prepare books for publication. And early this year, we have good news to share that we are starting and finishing our first book.

The first book to be published is 'Our Treehouse'. In order to draw pictures to match this writing, we organized the scenes in the following steps.

1. ​Johnny waking up in bed in the morning – looking out the window and imagining a treehouse

2. Johnny calling his friends – talking to Jack and Sarah on the phone at home about his idea

3. Three friends meeting in the forest – Johnny pointing to a large tree and explaining his plan

4. Sarah sketching a treehouse – drawing a treehouse on her notebook

5. Jack borrowing his father’s toolbox – Jack asking his father for tools

6. Three friends looking at their new house – looking at the house with construction materials piled up from a distance

7. Meeting Gabriel – The four children meeting for the first time

8. Gabriel’s father giving him a plank – The father helping the children choose a plank

9. A place where tools and materials are gathered – The children gather tools and planks

10. The children begin to build the treehouse in earnest – hammering nails and putting up planks

11. Parents helping the children – Jack’s father securing the plank

12. Johnny building a ladder – tying the ladder together using bamboo sticks

13. Sarah adding a new design – drawing a new idea in her notebook Scenes

14. The treehouse is gradually being completed – the treehouse has walls and a roof

15. Children cheering in the completed treehouse – four friends high-fiving each other in joy

16. Children partying – celebrating with snacks in the treehouse

17. Scene of Johnny toasting – raising a drink while saying, “We built this together!”
​
18. Children playing in the treehouse as the seasons change – enjoying the treehouse in fall and winter

And I drew pictures for each scene and now I have 9 scenes. I am aiming for at least 11 and up to 18, and I think I am halfway there now. After the book is published, the pictures and book will be exhibited at a local library in November. I and the curator are really looking forward to this amazing project.

The painting was painted with watercolors and was painted with a soft touch using a combination of yellow and light green. In fact, in the age of artificial intelligence, we could have created the painting artificially, but we decided to pursue sincerity and analog as much as possible. And we hope that children will read and see this warm story.