Art and literature, creekside

By Janice De Jesus
Correspondent

Posted: 02/23/2011 10:06:21 AM PST

Updated: 02/23/2011 10:06:22 AM PST

 CONCORD -- On her website, local children's author
Susan Pace-Koch writes about her love of getting
outdoors, one of the inspirations behind starting
her own book publishing company, Get Out Books.

"My mind wandered to the idea of getting outside,
whether physically or mentally, and all the ways you
can see and do things outside "... over rivers, under
tents, on top of trees, through gates, and down
windy roads -- all to new adventures," the Concord
author wrote.

"Images from children's picture books leaped to
mind. Some ways to 'get out,' and see things
captured my imagination. Getting out by foot, by
bike, by train, by going to the library and maybe
reaching for a dream, all seemed possible."

Pace-Koch will be sharing her dream of publishing
her children's book at the annual Creekside Arts
Festival from March 4-6, at the Clayton Library.

"I'd like this event to be inspirational, entertaining
and educational to people of all ages and walks of
life," said Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen, coordinator of
the festival.

At this year's event, new professional jurors are
added from the Hearst Art Gallery and Art Concepts,
Inc. in Walnut Creek. Every year, members from the

Creekside Arts Guild, featuring artists from all over
Contra Costa County, look forward to showcasing
their interpretation of art and nature, said Kikkawa-
Nielsen.

Pace-Koch said the event is the ideal place for her

to present her book because its theme of
inspirational artwork, with a love of children, nature
and getting outdoors coincides with the festival's
theme about raising awareness about the arts,
culture and biodiversity.

Additionally, the library's creekside certified wildlife
habitat is showcased, and funds are raised for
educational programs.

"What better combination could you have than arts
and the environment?" said Pace-Koch.

Pace-Koch said she wanted to produce an
interesting, imaginative, colorful, fun book, the first
in a series that would be enjoyed by adults as well
as kids.

One of the reasons she is excited about sharing her
book -- her literary artwork -- is to showcase the
work of local artist Jeremy Kwan, whose colorful
illustrations depict the messages in her book.

The author's mission is also to create art and share
some of the profit to help the community. A portion
of the proceeds from the sale of her books will go
toward Contra Costa County Puppy Raising Club,
associated with Guide Dogs for the Blind, and the
Contra Costa Blue Star Moms No. 20, Operation

Pillowcase project.

• WHAT: Creekside Arts Festival

• WHEN: 6-8:30 p.m. March 4; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
  March 5; 1-5 p.m. March 6

• WHERE: Clayton Community Library

• INFORMATION: www.claytonlibrary.org