Today is the vernal equinox, which marks the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. Not all of you are in Michigan, but many of you are and I can imagine you're as happy as I am to see the sun again. We made it through another dreary, gray winter.

For me, this week also signals the near-end of an exceptionally busy month. In addition to the work I've been doing for Concerts Under the Stars (which has been quite an undertaking), several of my client projects all happen to be due at the end of March. As a birthday gift to myself, I'm taking a few days off once this is all through.

Through a former coworker, I was contacted by a local construction and design company about illustrating a new street that is being developed in East Grand Rapids. It has been time intensive to adapt my "Places I Have Lived" style to a legitimate client assignment that requires accuracy and precise proportions, but genuinely rewarding at the same time to see it all come together. This perspective view is based on blueprints, site plans, and elevation drawings provided by the client. The illustration is currently in review, but the project is close to wrapping up and I can reveal the finished artwork once it finally does.

Fairly soon, I'm going to be starting a book review column for the Association of Medical Illustrators newsletter, so I figured I could include some highlights from that in this newsletter as well. The first book I'll be reviewing in May is Building Science Graphics by Jen Christiansen. I also just began listening to the audiobook for Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, which has been on my to-read list for a couple of years.

I have one pop-up this month where you can find me out in the world: from 8am-2pm on March 31st I'll be celebrating my Golden Birthday at Stovetop Roasters by slinging my wares and sharing coffee and conversations with anybody who stops by. Full details can be found at studiohromi.com/events. You can also shop online at studiohromi.com/shop and while supplies last at the following retail locations: Grand Rapids Public Museum Curiosity Shop, Scorpion Hearts Club, and Zabház. I will also have a merch table with a limited selection of products at my upcoming Concerts Under the Stars events on March 23 and 24, if you happen to be in attendance.

As always, Instagram is the best way to keep up with all of my goings-on and behind-the-scenes goodies, but you can follow me on any of the platforms below, and on Tumblr.

Thank you for your support!

- Emily