Going to the Festival

Jodi-Tatiana Charles is a multidisciplinary artist, author, and storyteller who has spent her life exploring the ways people and cultures celebrate, connect, and learn from one another. As a first-generation Haitian American, she grew up surrounded by traditions that emphasized curiosity, creativity, and community. A major influence in her life was her grandmother, whose constant community engagement taught Jodi the value of giving back and the power of shared experiences to strengthen neighborhoods.Jodi's artistic journey spans photography, painting, writing, and crafts. She takes photos of everything, capturing moments that make people feel like they are right there experiencing the sights, sounds, and energy themselves. Her abstract art embraces bold colors and expressive movement, while her writing offers another way to share stories with depth and warmth. Across every medium, her goal is the same: to bring people and cultures closer together.Going to the Festival is her second children's book. Her first book, It's Just a Rug with illustrator Diana Lisanto, introduced young readers to themes of identity, culture, and belonging. With this new book, she continues her commitment to helping children explore their own traditions while appreciating the richness of others. She believes festivals are more than events. They are pathways to understanding, belonging, and cultural pride.Beyond her creative work, Jodi has dedicated over 30 years to marketing and communications, including 15 years as founder of LCG Brands Consulting. Her professional experience informs her storytelling, adding insight into what strengthens communities and helps them flourish. Julia Potvin is a visual storyteller and illustrator whose work elegantly bridges youthful curiosity and meaningful community narratives. As a student-designer at Ringling College of Art and Design, she was recognized in the ""Best of Ringling 2025"" exhibition for her plein air piece titled Ringling Museum Plein Air.Going to the Festival is Julia's first children's book collaboration. For this project, she partnered with author Jodi-Tatiana Charles to create illustrations that celebrate friendship, creativity, and the joy of shared traditions. Her art captures the excitement of discovery and the moments of connection that strengthen community, ensuring that each page resonates with children and families alike. Julia brings to her illustrations an instinct for capturing color, connection, and cultural invitations. She is passionate about creating images that invite young readers into stories and encourage them to explore, imagine, and participate. Outside of her book work, Julia continues her studies in Illustration at Ringling, where she develops her voice through painting, character design, and visual storytelling. Her practice includes building collections of design references, character sketches, and process explorations that allow her to experiment with color palettes, composition, and narrative rhythm. This ongoing exploration shapes her children's book illustration and deepens her ability to communicate both story and emotion. Julia approaches each project as an opportunity to tell stories that connect people across generations and cultures. She is guided by the belief that art is a universal language, one that fosters belonging and inspires imagination. Her goal is to create illustrations where children and families feel seen, inspired, and connected.