and Allen's Heirloom Homestead
Search for items such as: Original Paintings, limited edition prints, illustrated children's books, and art notecards. Also: Allen's Heirloom Homestead Farm items of fiber products such as handspun yarn from my sheep, clean wool roving, handknit items, natural sheep tallow soap, and more!
Sheep Tallow Soap...or shampoo bars ALLN0129 $12.50 (includes solar sheep tallow soap, handknit wash or dishcloth, and sheep gift tag)
15% OFF the complete collection of 9 hardcovers and 2 softcover activity books. All signed by the artist.
Throughout history, artists, writers, and poets have reacted to wars, civil strife, pandemic disease, and environmental disasters through their art. We are living through historic times right now. I realize that for my own well being, I also need to address the current issues in my artwork. Hence I have started my "La COVID Guernica" paintings. The name plays off of Picasso's famous and controversial painting "La Guernica," about the Spanish Civil War. I recently renamed it just "Guernica Series", since the invasion of the Ukraine and people devided in so many ways.
I rarely show works in progress. However, here I will update the paintings as they come along. I am working on many oil on paper works simultaneously. I don't know how or when this will end. Art is always about the process, not the product...as I believe life is also.
There is a tension I feel in each image. I find children wearing well-fitting face masks look absolutely adorable. Yet, what a scary time that we must do this! Yet, I am trying to see and appreciate the beauty during these dark days, and to understand more fully the ramifications, while I spend countless hours engaged in the act of painting. I have many more brightly colored Children with Masks paintings started or sketched. The children will be profoundly influenced growing up through this era. They will most certainly judge us for how well we responded during the crises' of our day.
"Bicycle Safety"
Oil on Paper, large painting
WORK IN PROGRESS
"Tears to Come" Oil on Paper (14 x 20" image size, plus double rag archival mats, conservation glass, and custom wood frame)
Harvest from the gardens is hard work, but we are most grateful for the food we eat on a daily basis. We never take food for granted.
"Man vs. Nature". Oil on Paper (very large paintiing)
This is the first painting I did during COVID in 2020. It always humbles me to see how quickly nature takes over our labor-intensive work. Who knows what the purpose of all this beautifully crafted stonework was for? Soon the lichens, plants, and trees will grow over it and through it. It should be a check to our hubris about the worth of our work. Yet, as an artist, I can't help but feel the nostalgia of the scene.
More paintings to be added to this site as they emerge. Images of the finished paintings will replace the works in progress.
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.
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" written by Dr. Jennifer Schmidt
and
"Henry Hermit Crab Finds a Home" written by Laara C Oakes
Both Illustrated by Christina Allen
Buy directly from the publisher: Corn Crib Studio & Publishing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Announcing the 15th Annual Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards Results
"2021 Moonbeam Award Winners Inspire Children and Families"
(Traverse City, MI - Oct. 14, 2021) The year 2021 has been another stressful one for us all, filled with social and political strife. Combined with more uncertainty about the pandemic, a changing climate, and worldwide poverty and hunger -- how frightening life today must be for a child! That is why Jenkins Group is proud to announce the results of the 15th annual Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, honoring the year’s best children’s books and their creators for bringing comfort and inspiration to kids and their families.
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.
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
"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
The Sunflower Squirrel WON the award in 2019
Continuing our tradition of excellence in Children's books
At the farm’s “Back Porch Store,” items for sale include all the books, notecards, farm fresh eggs, sheep tallow soap, handspun yarn, and Christina’s Most Excellent boxed salad mix (in season). Curbside pickup only.
Located on Fenwick Street, Leonardtown, MD. All of Corn Crib Publishing books are available for sale here. A friendly atmosphere and delightful owners. Curbside sales available during the Coronavirus.
A charming gallery space abuts the office of the Arts Council. Near Leonardtown Courthouse. Changing exhibits and special events.
The North End Gallery has been in Leonardtown for over 33 years. Around 30 plus artists are represented. Curbside sales available during the Cornavirus.
An animal feed store in Park Hall, MD, with the only complete bee-keeping equipment in southern Maryland and beyond. The shop features farm-related theme art and local (nature) authors.
Text shop 301-997-3930 for curbside pickup and sales.
A couple of the pages inside "Rainbow People"
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