Not-So-Fearsome Critters
Jonathan Juravich with Josie Juravich
I have lived a life punctuated with experiences with trees and investigations into forests. Growing up in the woods of Western Pennsylvania, I became enamored with the different shapes, forms, and colors of the vegetation around me, as well as the adventures that could be had running along tree-covered trails.
I wanted to bring this fascination of the outdoors to my four-year-old daughter Josie. Together we have taken hikes, hugged trees in local metro parks, and began a series of collaborative works exploring the magic of the forest. One evening I started sharing with her stories from lumberjack folklore. These tales explored the Fearsome Critters, a group of magical animals that were said to have inhabited North American timberlands. These animals took on new life and personality as seen through the eyes of an enthusiastic four-year-old.
Jonathan Juravich is the 2018 Ohio Teacher of the Year and is one of four finalists for National Teacher of the Year. He teaches visual art at Liberty Tree Elementary in Powell, Ohio, where he also oversees the Building’s Culture and Environment. Jonathan is an active member and leader in the Ohio Art Education Association, and develops programming for the Columbus Zoo and the Columbus Arts Festival.
Josie Juravich is 4 ½ years old and is an avid collector of sticks, rocks, and mulch. She is excited to be a kindergartner at Clinton Elementary this coming fall, and plans to be an Artist Princess when she grows up.