NEWS

  • CanvasRebel, an online creative magazine

  • Clifton, NJ Cable News Interview at the Clifton Arts Center for “Women’s Work: Unique Visions by Women, a Springboard Exhibition,” at 12:30.

  • Presentation and Panel Discussion at NYU’s Casa Italiana “It Begins with a Name: Learning to Remember the Triangle Fire”

  • Eyes On Artists: a video interview for the Clifton, NJ Cable Channel

  • 1st Place Winner, Mixed Media Category: 60th Annual Art-in-the-Park, Van Saun Park, Paramus, NJ - October 2024

Hi, I’m Jenn!

I’m an artist, illustrator, and picture-book writer/illustrator. I divide my time between northern New Jersey and Maine’s inspiring mid-coast.

When I was a little girl, I loved to color pictures. I won a coloring contest when I was 7, setting me on a lifelong love of making pictures.

My collages are handcrafted from textured papers, fabrics, and trimmings. I like to mix media to achieve my visual goals.

I offer book signings and author presentations for all ages. I show my work at local art fairs and exhibitions. Check out my upcoming Events.

Please contact me for details on my art, books, or presentations. I hope to hear from you soon!

EDUCATION

  • MFA Illustration, SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC

  • MA Art Education, College of New Rochelle, NY

  • BA Studio Art and Elementary Ed, Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY

  • Cont. Ed. at School of Visual Arts, NYC

MEMBERSHIPS

  • Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)

  • Children’s Book Illustrators Group (CBIG)

  • Springboard Artists, Bergen County, NJ

  • Community Arts Association (CAA), Allendale, NJ

  • The Union of Maine Visual Artists (UMVA), Brunswick, ME

AWARDS

  • 2026 Earth Day Festival, overall winner of Art Poster Contest, Brunswick, ME

  • 2025 Dick Blick Materials Award, CAA Members’ Show, Allendale, NJ

  • 2024 First Place Winner, Mixed Media, 60th Annual Art-in-the-Park, Paramus, NJ

  • 2022 Key Colors Finalist, Clavis Publishing, Peet’s Eats

  • 2022 and 2021 Sally Logue Awards, CAA Members’ Show, Allendale, NJ

  • 2021 Selfie Awards, shortlisted for STEADFAST

  • 2020 Best Book Finalist, STEADFAST

  • 2005 IRA/CBC Children’s Choice Award, That Dancin’ Dolly

 

AUTHOR VISITS 

“From Brown Bag to Picture Book”

My favorite aspect of being a children’s book writer/illustrator is sharing my work with my readers! Using storyboards, collage materials, and a PowerPoint, I demonstrate how I create my books – starting with simple brown paper bags!  In an engaging presentation, I discuss my process from initial idea to published book. 

I’m happy to design a program suited to your needs and budget.  Please contact me through my website or email jjmerz@yahoo.com.

Selected Author Presentations, Panel Discussions, Art Instruction and Teaching:

  • The Fisher-Mitchell School, Bath, ME

  • NYU Casa-Italiana on NYU campus

  • Glen Rock Library, Glen Rock, NJ

  • Neuberger Museum at SUNY Purchase, NY

  • Kingsborough College, Brooklyn, NY

  • Art League of LI, Dix Hills, NY

  • Ridgewood Public Library, Ridgewood, NJ

  • Barnes & Noble, Paramus, NJ

  • Centenary College, Hackettstown, NJ

  • Celebrating Ed Young, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY

  • SCBWI Illustrators’ Conference, New York, NY

  • Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

  • BooksNJ, Paramus, NJ

  • Instructor, Adult School, Ramsey, NJ

  • George Miller Elementary School, Nanuet, NY

  • Arts Day at Ridge School, Ridgewood, NJ

Learn More

“We invited Jennifer Merz, author and illustrator of "Steadfast," to our school to introduce our 3rd-5th graders to the book's subject, Maine (and American) hero Frances Perkins. Jennifer custom-tailored her engaging presentation, captivating students with insights into her creative process and even providing hands-on collage art activities. Her thoughtful approach, including interactive Q&A and a post-session lunch with aspiring student-writers, left a profound and lasting impression on every student.” Fisher-Mitchell School, Bath, ME

“Jennifer made a PowerPoint presentation to an eager group of five to eight-year-olds at my library. They learned where inspiration comes from and how to progress from the idea to finished art….The children remained rapt throughout. Jenn really connected with the children and her thoroughness and commitment to making it a fun and exciting experience was reflected in their art.” Director of Youth Services, River Edge Library, NJ
“Your participation helped make our Book Week a great success! Thanks again!” The Little Red School House, New York, NY
“The students and teachers enjoyed your presentation, complete with slide show, dummy books, and props. It was great to have a “real” author visit our school and share her book and creative process!” Principal, Hillside School, Allendale, NJ

“Thank you once more for a truly memorable program,” Ridgewood, NJ Public Library

“It was fascinating to discover how your book evolved!”
Archer Nursery School, Allendale, NJ

CREATIVE PROCESS

My handcrafted collage illustrations often begin with my own photographic reference. Then, I develop energetic brown paper “sketches”. I like seeing the entire composition as a rudimentary collage, as silhouetted forms, before proceeding to color — and I like using brown paper bags for the sketches, a material that is very accessible and earth-friendly. Here are samples of reference, roughs and finished illustrations for my book Playground Day!