Artist offers a
burst of creativity

By Lauren Fritsky
Times Staff Writer

Stephen Heigh sure knows how to draw a crowd.
On Nov. 17, the subjects included dozens of third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students from St. Josephat’s Ukrainian Catholic School in Tacony.
Heigh, an author and illustrator of children’s books, met with them at the Tacony Library, at 6742 Torresdale Ave., as part of Children’s Book Week.
"It’s a really neat thing to be able to create things for people that you can share," Heigh, 46, told the room.
The Fox Chase resident showed the wide-eyed youngsters that he can draw virtually anything, and that with practice, they can, too. He advised them to draw what they know, just as he does — many of his story scenes come from Burholme Park and Pennypack Park.
Speaking to students has become old habit for the artist-turned-author. Since the 2004 release of his first book, Mr. George and the Red Hat, Heigh has garnered international praise for both his story-telling abilities and detailed illustrations.
His first book featured a generous squirrel, born from bedtime stories Heigh told his daughter. The Snowman in the Moon, a story about believing in one’s dreams, came out last year.
The subject matter for both books was no stroke of genius, Heigh said. The lessons they teach are gentle and humble, like the author himself.
"You have to write a book from the heart," Heigh explained.
Both internationally released tales, published by KRBY Creations in New Jersey, were selected as finalists for the Children’s Book of the Year Award.
Snowman also received the Mom’s Choice Award for Best Creative Children’s Picture Book and top prize for Best Fiction at the 2006 National Book Expo in Washington, D.C. In the winter, the book will be featured in a special Christmas display at Barnes & Noble stores around the country.
In May, The Snowman in the Moon generated more buzz at the World Book Fair in Italy, where representatives from DreamWorks Animation, the production company behind Shrek 2, selected it as possible movie material.
Heigh wrote and submitted a screenplay to the company and is awaiting feedback.
"Isn’t that amazing?" he said, awed at his success.
Creativity comes easy to Heigh, an accomplished graphic- and fine artist. He began drawing at age 3 and comes from a family of like-minded professionals — his grandfather was a glass artisan and his father worked for Ford Motor Co. as a designer and illustrator. Heigh’s children, Thomas, 18, and Anna, 14, are also burgeoning artists. His wife Ania works for a day care facility aptly named Creative Beginnings.
A 1982 graduate of the Art Institute of Philadelphia, Heigh paints impressionistic and realistic images. His main influence is painter N.C. Wyeth. Heigh has a solo exhibit appearing at Cabrini College in March.
Heigh also made a name for himself in the greeting card industry. He spent several years as senior illustrator/designer at Burgoyne Greeting Cards, where he won prestige as a three-time finalist for the "Best in Greeting Card Louie Award" by the International Greeting Card Association.
Heigh currently works as an art services supplier to ARAMARK Inc., where he previously held the senior illustrator/designer position.
Aspiring to be a well-rounded artist and leave a lasting mark, Heigh transitioned to writing children’s books quickly. The landscape of his childhood in rural Bucks County and the scenic vistas near his Fox Chase home provide good fodder for fiction.
"What I write about is things that I know," Heigh told students.
He calls himself an "old school" artist, since he still does everything by hand. His book illustrations take about 500 hours to complete. He spends a lot of time at Pennypack Park, where he draws inspiration — and some strange looks.
For his third, still unpublished book, The Mighty Raft, Heigh actually made a small raft and tested it in the Pennypack River.
"I had to tell a bunch of people who were looking at me, ‘I write children’s books.’ People were probably thinking, ‘What’s this old man doing with a raft and his fishing line?’" Heigh said.
No matter his age, Heigh remains in touch with the youth. "I’m like a big kid," said Heigh, who still loves Mickey Mouse and comic books. "But it helps me with my books. I know what children want to see."
And the children at Tacony Library liked what they saw, especially when Heigh proved his skills by using colored pencils to sketch a bird before their eyes.
"I thought it was pretty interesting. I usually draw characters I see," said Ian Allston, 9.
Like Heigh, Dan Link, 11, started drawing at a young age.
"I think he’s incredible," Dan said.
Heigh’s visit was particularly special for the library, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
"In this, the one-hundredth anniversary month of our founding in November 1906, Stephen Heigh’s inspiring visit is a wonderful way to bring together children and books and to see how dreams can become reality," said branch manager David Payne.
Heigh showed his gratitude to the library by donating copies of his two published books and three framed illustrations. The library plans to raffle off the items to raise money for future children’s programs. Further information is available by calling 215-685-8755. ••
For more information on Heigh, visit www.stephenheigh.com