News Summary
Martha Kelly has released her new picture book ‘M is for Memphis,’ celebrating the city’s culture through vibrant illustrations. Launched at Burkeโs Book Store, this book serves as a sequel to her earlier work, enhancing its urban appeal. The creative process took two years, capturing iconic Memphis landmarks and nuances, making it an essential read for kids and adults alike. Kelly’s journey reflects her growth as an artist within the Memphis Urban Sketchers community, showcasing the city’s charm and creativity.
Memphis Welcomes “M is for Memphis”: A New Artistic Adventure
Whatโs new in the vibrant heart of Memphis? Picture books! Thatโs rightโMartha Kelly has just released her charming new picture book, “M is for Memphis,” and it’s already creating quite a buzz. Launched last month, this delightful addition to children’s literature was unveiled at a lively book signing at Burkeโs Book Store in early December, where locals gathered to celebrate the launch of this unique tribute to their beloved city.
A Fresh Follow-Up to a Beloved Classic
This latest work from Kelly isnโt her first foray into the world of picture books. It serves as a delightful follow-up to her previous release, “P is for Possum: Love Letters from the Old Forest,” which made a splash back in 2020. The inspiration for the new book came when Burkeโs co-owner, Cheryl Messler, playfully suggested that “P is for Possum” needed an urban counterpart. And so, the journey began!
Art Meets Urban Landscape
“M is for Memphis” features a stunning array of illustrations that capture the essence of the city in a way that watercolors of nature once filled the pages of her first book. This time around, however, Kelly had to flex some new muscles and dive into architectural drawing, moving beyond the natural landscapes she was used to.
As a proud member of the Memphis Urban Sketchers group since its inception, Kelly has nurtured her skills in sketching the urban landscape. Her involvement in this vibrant community has undoubtedly played a role in her artistic development, allowing her to blend the cityโs rich culture into her new work.
The Creative Process
Some letters, such as ‘X’, posed a particular challenge. In the end, she cleverly chose to represent ‘X’ with the famed Stax Records, a staple of Memphisโ musical heritage. However, not every beloved local hot spot made the cut. Kelly candidly acknowledged the struggle artists face when it comes to deciding what to include and what to leave out, a common challenge in the world of creativity.
Celebrating Memphis Through Art
The finished book is a loving homage to Memphis, featuring vibrant illustrations of its most iconic landmarks and community nuances. Kelly sprinkles whimsical personal notes and asides throughout the pages, adding an extra layer of charm to the narrative. Framed as a series of postcards sent to a close friend, the book shares the artistโs unique perspective on the city, making it feel like an inviting conversation filled with insider knowledge.
An Ongoing Artistic Journey
As she transitions from painting forests to embracing the urban landscape, Kelly continues to demonstrate her dedication to her craft and her expressive journey. In addition to her new picture book, sheโs also made waves at the Winter Arts Holiday Market and has an ongoing exhibition titled “Faulknerโs Trees” at Rowan Oak, the home museum of William Faulkner in Oxford, Mississippi, which will continue through January 2025.
In Conclusion
With the release of “M is for Memphis,” Martha Kelly invites readers to wander through the magic of a city steeped in culture and creativity. This book isnโt just for kids; itโs a treasure trove for anyone who loves Memphis. So, whether youโre a longtime local or a curious newcomer, grab a copy and experience the charm of Memphis through the eyes of a passionate artist!
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Additional Resources
- Memphis Flyer: Martha Kelly’s Love for Memphis
- Memphis Flyer: Corey Mesler’s Two Fer
- Peebles Funeral Home: Obituary of George William Shaeffer Jr.
- Legacy: Obituary of Martha Hager
- Memphis Flyer: Memphabetical
- Wikipedia: Memphis
- Google Search: Martha Kelly
- Google Scholar: Martha Kelly
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis
- Google News: Martha Kelly
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
