new art exhibit
currrent art exhibit
I have an Art Exhibition at the beautiful Corteau Vineyards. Bring your loved ones out for a Valentine's Day treat to their tasting rooms and see my exhibit. The tasting rooms and outdoor pavillion (in good weather) overlook their fields of extensive vineyard acreage.
Hours
Hours
Hours: Fridays 4-8 pm; Saturday & Sunday 12-6 pm
The exhibit will run for three months through April 2026
my book is finally done!
Pre-orders taken. First shipment arriving soon.
I have been an artist from my earliest memories.
I have been a professional artist for 45 years, as well as a kitchen gardener and small- scale farmer. I consider myself a Maker. Fiber arts, textiles, food, and all my work are woven together. Writing this book, I discovered I have had a very prolific output of watercolors, oil-on-paper paintings, and children’s books. I started Corn Crib Studio & Publishing, a micro-publishing company. To date, I have illustrated and published thirteen books and won nine national awards. I realized it was time to try to publish a book about my work with my autobiography, my art, and my gardening life.
242 pages. Autobiography, Paintings, and the Gardens
The autobiography section helps illustrate how and why I became who I am today as a person, artist, mentor, and gardener. The many images in the main body of the book feature my artworks. My artwork has two components I focused on. One is what I was thinking in choosing and making the piece. The “why” I made that work. There is a usually a theme I’m exploring with each piece beyond the surface subject matter. The second component is more educational for other artists. If there is a technique or skill that I used for the work that is interesting, I want to share that to those interested in “how” my paintings are made.
I thought I was finished with the book and realized that gardening was a big part of my life and I had more to say. I think it helps the reader understand my selection of subject matter. Gardening is an art also.
In art, fiber work, and gardening, I have mentored hundreds of people over the decades to learn or develop their own skills. I believe we are meant to share our gifts and talents. “To whom much is given, much is expected.” I take that literally.
The foreword written by James Dicus is a surprising addition to the book. I found I have a fan who has been watching my artwork for some years. I haven’t known him personally for long. Jimmy is an exuberant force of nature. Surprisingly, he seems to understand me through my paintings. I always believed that the art should be able to tell the story without further explanation. What a thrill to know that my work can be understood as intended on its own.
The book is not a comprehensive catalog of my work. There are far too many paintings I have created to do that. I tried to cover the main themes of my work. I hope you enjoy it.
"The Sky is a Good Place to Be"
written by A H Benjamin
a UK author, A H Benjamin has written over 50 children's book titles. He has written over twenty short stories which have been published in a number of magazines, annuals and anthologies. His books have sold worldwide with over 25 translations, including Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Greek, Arabic and Afrikaans. He has had more than seven US co-editions (Dutton, Scholastic, Tiger Tales, Crabtree...) which have done very well too. His books are very popular in schools and libraries worldwide. He currently ranks 334 in the UK Public Landing Right. Also some of his work has been adapted for radio, television and theatre.
As the illustrator...
Christina L. Allen lives in southern Maryland on a small farm with her husband, two cats, flock of sheep, rare Jersey Buff heritage turkeys, and heritage chickens. The rural life and the beautiful Chesapeake Bay find their way into many of her paintings.Both Christina and her husband are avid gardeners, so animals, trees and flowers are also an important part of her life and work. They also practice sustainable farming. She has been a professional artist for over forty years. Her children's books have won ten national book awards. Christina founded Corn Crib Studio & Publishing. She also is an avid handweaver and spinner. She founded the first chapter of Cycling Without Age in Maryland and is a passionate supporter of bicycle and people-centric towns. She may be reached at www.corncribstudio.com or on Facebook.com/CornCS
"Magical Meadow" Wins Gold Mom's Choice 2021 Book Award
also Wins SECOND Award: Moonbeam Bronze Children's Book 2021
also Wins SECOND Award: Moonbeam Bronze Children's Book 2021
Buy directly from the publisher: Corn Crib Studio & Publishing
also Wins SECOND Award: Moonbeam Bronze Children's Book 2021
also Wins SECOND Award: Moonbeam Bronze Children's Book 2021
also Wins SECOND Award: Moonbeam Bronze Children's Book 2021
When all else is in doubt, the familiarity of a parent and child sharing the joy of reading together is something to cherish, and the Moonbeam Awards were founded to celebrate that notion. This year’s judges chose gold, silver and bronze medalists in 45 categories, covering the full range of styles and genres in English and Spanish. The awards attracted nearly 1,500 entries from around the world, and medals will go to authors, illustrators and publishers from 34 U.S. states, 4 Canadian provinces, and 7 countries overseas.
Many of this year’s winning books reflect on the ways we deal with issues like battling the pandemic, facing up to climate change, and ending racism.
Dr. Jennifer Schmidt, Christina Allen, and Corn Crib Studio & Publishing gratefully thank the Moonbeam Awards Committee for recognizing "Magical Meadow" in this year's awards.
"Henry Hermit Crab Finds a Home"
Written by Laara C Oakes
Washed out to sea in a storm, Henry is desperate to find a seashell home before nightfall. Henry Hermit Crab Finds a Home is a story of adventure and courage as one little crab faces the dangers of a coral reef.
Beautifully written and illustrated $18.00 hardcover
Hardcover 38 color fully illustrated pages
Award Winning Book Author! ❤️
"Red wants to play, but his friends are too busy getting ready for something called “winter.” Confused, Red takes a nap. He wakes to find his world covered in fluffy white flakes. His friends are ready for fun, but how will Red ever get used to all these changes?" $18.00, hardcover
Red's First Snow" wins Finalist Award for 2020!
The Sunflower Squirrel WON the award in 2019
Continuing our tradition of excellence in Children's books
"The Sunflower Squirrel" children's book, $18.00 hardcover
Companion book: The Sunflower Squirrel ACTIVITY BOOK, $5.00
Corn Crib Publishing books or ART may be purchased at:
Allen’s Heirloom Homestead
At the farm’s “Back Porch Store,” items for sale include farm fresh eggs, sheep tallow soap, handspun yarn, and Christina’s Most Excellent boxed salad mix (in season).
Arts Council of St. Mary’s County
A charming gallery space abuts the office of the Arts Council. Near Leonardtown Courthouse. Changing exhibits and special events.
Fenwick Street Books and Music
Fenwick Street Books and Music
Located on Fenwick Street, Leonardtown, MD. All of Corn Crib Publishing books are available for sale here. A friendly atmosphere and delightful owners.
"Violet people"
"Everyone"
A couple of the pages inside "Rainbow People"