Colleen Rowan Kosinski

 Colleen Rowan Kosinski has always been involved in creative projects. She is an alumna of Moore College of Art and graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in Visual Arts. While in college, Colleen worked with The Robert Wood Johnson Hospital as part of her curriculum. She developed, designed and constructed step-by-step instruction booklets to be used by nursing staff. These booklets taught the nurses how to use medical equipment such as the portacath. After graduation, Colleen worked as a jewelry designer. While working as a designer she won a scholarship to the Gemological Institute of America and earned a certificate in Colored Stones. Colleen, having a great interest in science, volunteered at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, PA. She worked with Dr. John Gelhaus in the entomology department rendering illustrations of insects for scientific publications. She also worked at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA, were she designed illustrations for a cookbook featuring Ben Franklin’s favorite dishes.

Colleen loves helping organizations that benefit wildlife and animals. After the devastating fire in the primate house at the Philadelphia Zoo, Colleen donated one of her paintings to a silent auction fundraiser. She also annually donates paintings to the Chester County SPCA and Morris Animal Shelter in Philadelphia, PA. After the birth of her first child, Colleen opened her studio and virtual gallery. She has been working as a visual artist, with clients all over the United States, for the past thirteen years. You can visit her site at www.myartsite.com. She specializes in pet portraiture and still life. Her mediums of choice are oil and pastel. Colleen has always harbored a love for writing. Her passion has recently been renewed and she has been creating numerous children’s stories. Colleen has also been studying screenplay writing and has completed three feature length scripts. Two of which are registered with the WGA. She is a member of the SCBWI and participates in the South Jersey chapter writing group.

Colleen is a lover of nature and animals. In her spare time she volunteers at the local animal shelter and during the summer you can usually find her nursing a sick squirrel or robin back to health. She also is the Arts and Education Director for her children’s school PTA. Last year, she organized a wonderful Author’s Workshop for a local elementary school. Eighteen authors gathered for a day of sharing with the young minds of the school. It was a result of the prodding of these wonderful authors that gave Colleen the encouragement to pursue her writing professionally.

Colleen resides in Cherry Hill, NJ with her husband, three sons, Doberman Pinscher, two rabbits, iguana, and parakeet and hedgehog.