“BOYS”: Children’s Book Illustrator Mary Lundquist, whose work is shown here, will be the featured presenter for the “Inside the Artist’s Studio” series at Princeton Makes in the Princeton Shopping Center on Saturday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m.

On Saturday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m., painter and illustrator Mary Lundquist will be the featured presenter for the “Inside the Artist’s Studio” series at Princeton Makes in the Princeton Shopping Center. Lundquist, the illustrator of nine picture books, including as author of Cat & Bunny and The Little Forest Keepers, will discuss her life as an artist and her journey to becoming a published children’s book creator.

Lundquist has worked with publishers such as HarperCollins, Random House, and Bloomsbury. During her talk, Lundquist will show her illustrations, fine art, comics, and ongoing projects while weaving in personal stories.

“I don’t know how to be a person without creating. I hope my presentation and the discussion inspires people to consider why creativity and community matter, especially in trying times,” said Lundquist.

In addition to children’s books, as a fine artist Lundquist paints with watercolor and acrylic, and she draws with colored pencil. She explores themes of home, landscapes, and woman and children. She also creates autobiographical comics, “Dirt Baby Comics,” which reflect her experience as a parent​ with young children.

“My 2-year-old son, Calvin, wanted to name his soon-to-be-born baby brother “dirt baby” — but we stuck with ‘Dylan.’ It turned out to be, however, perfect for the comic. The quickly drawn comics gave me an outlet during the exhausting time of pregnancy and parenting. They make me laugh and I know others can relate.” Said Lundquist.

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Lundquist graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston. Since then, she has lived in many places including southern California, northern Vermont, three different cities in the U.K., and the mountains of North Carolina. She currently resides in Princeton with her husband and three kids.

As the featured artist at Princeton Makes, Lundquist’s work will be displayed in the front window throughout March and will be available for purchase. Her work also can be viewed on her website at marylundquist.com and on Instagram @mary.lundquist.

The event will begin with a reception and light refreshments at 6 p.m. The “Inside the Artist’s Studio” talk series, part of the cooperative’s programming initiatives, offers the public a monthly opportunity to learn about and from its creatives. Artwork by all cooperative artists will be available for purchase.

Princeton Makes is a cooperative of over 40 local artists who work across a range of artistic genres, including painting, drawing, stained glass, sculpture, textiles, and jewelry. Customers can support local artists by visiting their in-store studios and shopping for a wide variety of art, including large paintings, prints, custom-made greeting cards, stained glass lamps and window hangings, jewelry in various designs and patterns, and more. For more information, visit princetonmakes.com.