About Rebekah

Rebekah Lowell is an award-winning author/illustrator and surface pattern designer with a passion for the natural world. As a survivor of domestic abuse, she’s found comfort in creativity and time outside. Her debut novel in verse, THE ROAD TO AFTER published by Nancy Paulsen Books in May 2022, offers a story of healing from trauma, and was a Junior Library Guild selection and recipient of the Susan P. Bloom Discovery Award. Her debut picture book CATCHING FLIGHT published by Doubleday Books for Young readers in March 2023, provides hope on the wings of birds. Her artwork has been featured on the Maine Duck Stamp five times and has been included in various shows around the country. When not in her studio, you can find her outside—birding, gardening, nature journaling, rescuing birds for Avian Haven, and raising butterflies – often with her daughters, who she homeschools. Rebekah has a BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA in Children’s Literature and Illustration from Hollins University. She lives with her family in her hometown of Biddeford, Maine. Rebekah is represented by Paige Terlip at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

 

Artist Statement

 

“As children, we have a sense of wonder that often fades as we grow, but my passion is to keep that youthful spirit of discovery alive through the process of observing and creating. My heart continues to be amazed by the natural world we live in and I want to share this through the words and images of my work. By teaching others to love nature, we encourage empathy, and in that we are saving the world.” -Rebekah Lowell

 

 

EDUCATION

MFA in Children's Literature and Illustration, Hollins University, 2019

BFA in Illustration, Rhode Island School of Design, 2004

 

AWARDS

Susan P. Bloom Discovery Award, 2019

Gold Scholarship, 12 x 12 Challenge, 2018

NESCBWI Ruth Landers Glass Scholarship, 2017

NESCBWI 4 x 4 Author/Illustrator Mentorship Program with Brian Lies, 2017

Margaret Kates Award in Art, 1st place, Franceilia Butler Conference, Hollins University, 2017

Ruth Sanderson Award, Illustrator's Spotlight, 1st place, Francelia Butler Conference, Hollins University, 2017

Maine Duck Stamp, 1st place, 2017

Maine Duck Stamp, 2nd place, 2016

Maine Duck Stamp, 1st place, 2014

Maine Duck Stamp, 1st place, 2011

 

EXPERIENCE

Children’s Librarian, McArthur Public Library

Critique Group Leader, 2018, 2019

12 x 12 Member, 2018, 2019

BIG SUR at Cape Cod Writer's Workshop hosted by Andrea Brown Literary, 2017

NESCBWI Spring Conference 2016, 2017, 2018

Pecha Kucha Night Presenter 2015, 2016, 2017

Art Workshop Instructor, River Tree Arts, 2015, 2016, 2017

Member SCBWI, since 2014

Critique Group Member 2015-2017

ArtWalk Artist, since 2014

 

PRESS AND INTERVIEWS

Penguin Random House to Publish Hollins Author’s Debut Novel

Publishers Weekly, Rights Report: Week of April 29, 2019

How I Got My Agent, 12x12 with Julie Hedlund

Hollins University Illustration Portfolio

Sanford J. Greenburger Associates

Janklow & Nesbit Illustrator Page

 

 

VOLUNTEER

12 x 12 Illustration Elf, 2019

Cochair, Francelia Butler Conference Hollins University, 2017

NESCBWI Spring Conference, Portfolio Showcase Check-In/Check-Out, 2017

Art Committee Cochair, Francelia Butler Conference, 2016

NESCBWI Spring Conference Front Desk Check-in/Check-Out, 2016

Maine Duck Stamp Judge, 2012, 2015, 2018

Featured collection