On the Record

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Recent Northern Illinois University graduate JoAnn Kofoed said the biggest setbacks she’s had in life were a catalyst to help her pursue her true passion: art.

The Mendota resident was born with a rare genetic disability called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and a hip injury in high school left her bedbound requiring multiple surgeries.

Having always loved creating art, Kofoed, 23, realized after being bedbound that art was her passion, and that she wanted to make it her career.

In 2021, Kofoed earned a bachelor’s degree in illustration from NIU and illustrated her first book, “What Your Clothes Would Say.”

The book, written by Doug Fischer, can be purchased on Amazon.

MidWeek reporter Katrina Milton interviewed Kofoed about the book, its illustrations and her artwork.

Milton: What is the book about?

Kofoed: The story is a delightful tale from the perspective of the clothes a child is wearing. It explores the idea of what the clothes may be thinking throughout the day.

Photos provided JoAnn Kofoed illustrated her first book, “What Your Clothes Would Say.” The book is available for purchase on Amazon.

Milton: How did you get involved in the project?

Kofoed: I was connected through one of my illustration professors at NIU. … It was a big step to take on a project this big, but I loved the challenge.

Milton: What medium are the illustrations?

Kofoed: The images are digital paintings I created in Photoshop. Many people aren’t aware of this, but Photoshop isn’t just for photo editing. It caters to artists who paint digitally, too. You start with a blank white canvas, and use digital brushes to paint the images. I usually create art digitally, but I also love painting with acrylics.

Milton: What was the experience of illustrating a book like?

Kofoed: The process was very time consuming, but very rewarding. It took a lot of planning to get all the details sorted out. It started with Doug [Fischer] sending me a copy of what he wrote. We talked about what kind of things he wanted for the book, and he gave me lots of creative control to accomplish what we discussed. It was wonderful working with him. I’d share sketches and ideas, and he would let me know what he liked. It was fun to watch the development of the project as it progressed and evolved.

Milton: Do you have plans on illustrating more books?

Kofoed: I don’t have any more books currently lined up, but I’m always open to new creative experiences.

Milton: Why are you an artist, and why is creating art important to you?

Kofoed: I’ve always loved creating, but it wasn’t until I took an art class in high school that I realized I had a passion for drawing. My sophomore year of high school, I had something horrible happen. I had a hip injury that left me bed-bound, unable to sit up or move without spasms of pain. At the time, it was the most devastating thing that ever happened to me. Funny thing about that, I’m thankful nowadays

See ON THE RECORD, page 5

MUSIC

niu.edu/music

The Arts at NIU

THEATRE

niu.edu/theatre

ART

niu.edu/art

March 23 NIU Composers’ Recital, 7 p.m. March 24 Daniel Pesca, Guest Pianist Recital, 7 p.m. March 26 International Guitar Concert Series featuring Meng Su, 7 p.m. March 27 NIU Percussion Ensemble, 3 p.m. April 1 NIU Opera Theatre, “The Happy Prince” and a Stephen Sondheim Tribute, 7 p.m. April 3 NIU Opera Theatre, “The Happy Prince” and a Stephen Sondheim Tribute, 3 p.m. April 10 NIU Steelband, Steelband Studio, All University Steelband and CSA Steelband, 3 p.m. April 11 Japanese Taiko Concert, 7 p.m. April 13 Chinese Music Ensemble, 6:30 p.m.

The Conference of the Birds

by Sholeh Wolpe, adapted from Attar’s epic poem April 1-3 and 7-9 Black Box Theatre

The Language Archive

by Julia Cho April 22-24 and 28-30 Sally Stevens Players Theatre

Biennial NIU School of Art and Design Faculty Exhibition

NIU Art Museum, Altgeld Hall Extended through May 14

niu.edu/artmuseum

Annual Juried Blick Arts Materials Ars Nova Exhibition

Featuring work by current School of Art and Design students Jack Olson Gallery, Jack Arends Hall March 25-April 13

A look at what’s coming up! For a full schedule of events and ticket information:

go.niu.edu/arts

that that injury happened when it did. I wasn’t able to get up and do anything, but I realized I could lay down and draw.

Milton: How did art help you heal?

Kofoed: For several months, I spent countless hours practicing my skills, and getting better. It kept me sane. There was always something cathartic about creating. Unfortunately, a little over a year after my first surgery I had to get a second hip surgery. I missed a lot of high school, but again I had another large period of time where I just was constantly drawing. By the time I graduated high school, I knew art was my true passion, and that I needed to pursue the topic in college. Over the years, art slowly turned into a form of journaling for me. Many images I created helped me process what was happening around me.

Milton: What would you say to aspiring artists?

Kofoed: Don’t feel like you need to put yourself in a box with one art style. This book was the first time I made illustrations specifically targeted toward kids. Most of my artwork is fantasy-based. It was intimidating to develop a new art style, but I’m so happy I did. You learn a lot more when you create things that are unfamiliar. That growth is important.

DCCG to host adult egg hunt

MIDWEEK NEWS STAFF REPORT

DeKALB – Adults age 18 or older are invited to an Easter egg hunt April 8 hosted by the DeKalb County Community Gardens.

The fourth annual Adult 18+ Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Jonamac Orchard, 19412 Shabbona Road, Malta. Tickets cost $20 per adult and are available only at https://bit. ly/2022EggHunt.

There will be 5,000 Easter eggs hidden in and around the orchard, four of which will contain $100 cash prizes. Other prizes have been donated from various local businesses, including but not limited to: Insomnia Cookies, Cracker Jax, Pizza Villa, Enchanted Valley Farm, In & Out Cuts, Tobinson Ace Hardware and El Jimodor Mexican Restaurant. Candy at the event will be provided by Ferrara USA.

The egg hunt will be an outdoor event that will occur in rain or the dark, so attendees should dress accordingly. Easter baskets and flashlights will not be provided. No one under the age of 18 will be allowed on the premises during the event.

Parking information along with participant waivers will be emailed four days before the event. Upon arrival, check in at registration to receive wristbands and present completed participant waivers. No tickets will be mailed or emailed. The email confirmation is proof of purchase.

For information about Jonamac Orchard, contact Jenna Spychal at jenna@jonamacorchard.com.

Photo provided DeKalb County Community Gardens will host the fourth annual Adult 18+ Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt on April 8 at Jonamac Orchard in Malta.

I feel your pain.

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