RANGELEY — Students at the Rangeley Lakes Regional School were treated to an inspiring day of creativity and storytelling during a visit from Maine-based author and illustrator Rebekah Lowell on Tuesday, June 3. Known for her beautiful art, poetry, and advocacy for wildlife and the environment, Lowell led three engaging workshops that captivated students and sparked imaginations across grade levels.
Lowell, author and illustrator of two books “Catching Flight” (2023) and “The Road to After” (2022), shared her passion for both art and nature during the school visit. Each of her workshops offered students a unique window into the creative process and the natural world that fuels her own work.
In “Drawing Birds & Storytime”, younger students had the opportunity to listen to a read aloud of “Catching Flight”, then participate in a hands-on drawing activity. With gentle guidance and encouragement, Lowell taught students to look closely at bird shapes, feathers, and postures, empowering even reluctant artists to pick up their pencils and give sketching a try.
For grades 3-5, Lowell offered a behind-the-scenes look at how a book goes from idea to publication in “From Spark to Shelf”. Students learned about the steps involved in creating a book—from initial inspiration and research, to drafts, revisions, and finally seeing the finished product on a bookstore shelf. She shared original sketches and manuscript pages, giving students a rare glimpse into the publishing world and encouraging them to nurture their own creative sparks.
In the final workshop, “Noticing Wonder,” Lowell guided students through nature journaling, a mindfulness-based art and writing activity. Whether it was noticing the veins on a leaf, the curve of a twig, or the pattern on an acorn cap, students were challenged to slow down, notice the small details in nature, and respond creatively. This workshop blended journaling, sketching, and quiet reflection, helping students connect with both nature and their inner sense of wonder.
The day was met with enthusiastic feedback from students and teachers alike. Her presence left a lasting impression, planting seeds of wonder that will continue to grow in classrooms and sketchbooks long after the day ended.
Rebekah Lowell’s visit was made possible through the Janet Waugaman Memorial Fund and the Maine Literacy Fund.
For more about Rebekah Lowell and her work, visit rebekahlowell.