You could think of Field Notes as my “blog” of observations. Periodically peek into my sketchbook, eavesdrop on my conversations, get a glimpse of my projects — and lens on life in Silicon Valley. 

Roaring 20’s Grand Reopening Party Promos (2021)
Projects Lisa Van Dusen Projects Lisa Van Dusen

Roaring 20’s Grand Reopening Party Promos (2021)

As people were emerging from their COVID-19 cocoons in the summer and early fall of 2021, the Woman’s Club of Palo Alto wanted to create energy and anticipation for their “grand reopening” with a roaring 20s party. This series offered a playful way to entice members to a festive, yet safe in-person gathering. The event was a huge success.

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A Lantern of Firflies: An Illustrated Treasury of Tales of Adventure, Discovery, and Magic (2015)
Projects Lisa Van Dusen Projects Lisa Van Dusen

A Lantern of Firflies: An Illustrated Treasury of Tales of Adventure, Discovery, and Magic (2015)

826michigan's 2015 student publication, which features twenty Huron High ninth-graders and class of second-grade students from Mitchell Elementary. The students produced the collection of bedtime stories—they wrote the stories that they wish they'd had when they were younger. Each of the stories has been thoughtfully illustrated, with input from the student writers, by a different artist, including Caldecott winners. Available for purchase here.

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Objects & Oddities (2014)
Projects Lisa Van Dusen Projects Lisa Van Dusen

Objects & Oddities (2014)

Fresh pen and watercolor illustrations by Lisa Van Dusen accompany Laurie Hunter's poetic words full of memories, objects and oddities from nature and the made world. And there's room at the back for the reader to capture his or her own memories, observations and oddities. Objects & Oddities sparks joy. Available for purchase here.

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Angela Buenning Filo: Forest Photographer
Interviews Lisa Van Dusen Interviews Lisa Van Dusen

Angela Buenning Filo: Forest Photographer

Palo Alto-based Photographer and Creator of the 'Palo Alto Forest Project'

Angela Buenning Filo, Palo Alto-based photographer and creator of the "Palo Alto Forest Project," speaks with Lisa Van Dusen about her community-activated photo installation, part of the Palo Alto Art Center's grand reopening exhibition -- "Community Creates" -- opening on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012.

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Betsy Franco: Creative Collaborator
Interviews Lisa Van Dusen Interviews Lisa Van Dusen

Betsy Franco: Creative Collaborator

Multidisciplinary Artist

Betsy Franco, Palo Alto resident and mother of Oscar-nominated actor James Franco, talks to Palo Alto Online about her upcoming play "Metamorphosis: Junior Year" at the Palo Alto Children's Theatre, (March 3-5 and 10-12), her multimedia creative life, and what it has been like to raise and collaborate with three artistic sons.

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