Manchester native’s career blooming as illustrator

submitted by Tamara Denby, Manchester District Library

Did you know … a book authored by a famous HGTV celebrity has ties to Manchester? Want to know more? Read on!

If you have cable television, you may be familiar with HGTV homemaker, interior designer, and media influencer Joanna Gaines. Joanna, along with her husband, Chip, found themselves instant celebrities thanks to the popularity of their television series, “Fixer Upper.” Soon after, the pair started exploring other opportunities to build their multimedia empire, which led to the publication of their new children’s picture book, We Are the Gardeners.

This is where Manchester comes into play, in the form of an illustrator named Julianna Swaney. Julianna, daughter of longtime Manchester residents Bill and Patty Swaney, was born in Manchester and lived here until college. She attended Maine College of Art, moving to Portland, Oregon after graduating. There, she has been pursuing her career, showing her work in galleries, illustrating books and covers, creating custom logos, and designing wedding invitations. Her sweet and whimsical watercolor illustrations can be seen in numerous books.

The Manchester District Library owns several books illustrated by this talented local artist, including We Are the Gardeners. Come in today and take a look.  

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.