Kollasch, Kristine: - Phoenix based artist Kristine Kollasch has been creating art since kindergarten in Gary, Indiana, where her teacher told her mom she had some promising art talent. Kris overheard that conversation and took it seriously. A college education from Adams State College in Colorado and an 11 year career at a Tempe, AZ based design firm prepared her to start her own business, Fine Art & Creative Environments, LLC in 1997. For over 20 years she has been a thriving full-time artist, creating murals and themed environments, public art and fine art, however this is the first time she's illustrated a children's book. You can learn more about the illustrator at facebook.com/FineArtandCreativeEnvironments or kristinekollasch.com