🌿 Letters from the Grove: A Special Announcement
Dear Dreamers, Artists, and Visionaries,
As more of you step into the Grove, I want to take a moment to say thank you. 🌱✨ Your presence here means the world to me, and I’m truly honored to share this journey with you.
I’d love to introduce you to Essence Grove: A Storybook Brought to Life—a project that is more than just words on a page. It’s an invitation into my world, a place where imagination, art, and storytelling intertwine in ways you may never expect.
In life, we all face moments that define us—challenges that test our patience, choices that can change everything. This story is my way of exploring those moments, of introducing you to the Vireya, the magical plant guardians of Essence Grove, and letting this journey guide you in ways beyond the ordinary.
🌿 Why Essence Grove?
Throughout my life, I have been drawn to creativity—reading, writing, crochet, and yoga—even when I wasn’t sure how those passions fit into the "real world." I struggled in school but thrived in jobs where I could learn hands-on. And as I built Essence Grove, I realized that all of these pieces—these "non-essential" skills—were actually what made me extraordinary.
Many of us are told we must fit inside a certain box. And when that box starts to feel too small, we’re told to keep going, to squeeze in tighter, to follow the expected path. But what if that box wasn’t meant for you? What if you are extraordinary because you are meant to create your own space, your own path, your own world?
That is why Essence Grove exists.
This project is an open call to teachers, students, artists, and creatives who want to help bring this story to life through illustration and artistic expression. Select artwork will be published in the book and on merchandise, while others will be showcased in our Digital Art Gallery—always with the artist’s name and a reflection on how Essence Grove made them feel.
This is an inclusive program, open to all who feel called to create. If you’re interested, please reach out—I would love to have you join us.
đź“… Key Project Dates (2025)
🌱 March 11 – March 31, 2025 → Open Call for Institutions & Artists
🎨 April 1 – April 30, 2025 → Concept & Draft Phase Begins
🌿 June 15, 2025 → Early Bird Submission Deadline
📖 July 31, 2025 → Final Submission Deadline
✨ August 1 – August 20, 2025 → Selection & Curation Phase
🖼️ October 1, 2025 → Digital Art Gallery Launch
📚 October 15, 2025 → Book & Merchandise Official Release
🌟 How to Get Involved
If you’re an artist, teacher, or student interested in participating, email me at helloauntcanna@gmail.com
Follow along on Instagram (EssenceGroveTales) | X (@EssenceGrove) | Facebook (EssenceGrove) for updates
Share this opportunity with schools, libraries, and creative communities
Essence Grove is just beginning, but together, I know we will create something magical. 🌿✨
With gratitude & creativity,
Aunt C’Anna