April Kite grew up smack dab in the geographical center of North America in the friendly little city called Winnipeg. It was a place of dramatic extremes. Frigid winters when any bit of exposed skin could freeze in minutes. Scorching summers when the air itself quivered and shook.

So... she spent a lot of time indoors developing her creative world.

As a child her imagination was set aflame by illustrated books (particularly the Little House and The Borrowers series, Winnie the Pooh and anything by Mercer Meyer). The pictures and words combined in a dynamic and exciting way. Together they told the story far better than either could have alone. Young April spent countless hours drawing and writing trying to imitate the bright humor and freedom those deceptively simple stories brought to her.

She taught herself how to draw (noses being a particular triumph to figure out). And it wasn't long until her own style was emerging. Soon everything flat, white and papery was dotted by curious creatures with large soulful eyes. (Lots of eyes, she always started with the eyes, and still does). Images she added to her stories.

When she grew up April's happy travelling feet brought her to beautiful British Columbia on the West Coast of Canada. Where she spread put down roots and spread her creative branches like a cedar tree. She explored visual art with works ranging from the tiniest personal sculptures to fifteen foot high public murals.

After graduating from the Vancouver College Art and Jewelry Design program April realized she had more to say than pure visual art could convey. She wanted a better way to share her ideas. Then she re-discovered The Illustrated Story.

Today her writing invariably takes a comic spin even when tackling serious issues. She loves to create stories that make people laugh and perhaps view a problem with renewed possibilities.

The artist brings my characters to life on the page with mixed media computer collage. She combines digital photos and textiles with the more traditional art mediums of painting, pastel amd line work. And when she's collaging with medieval fabrics or engravings from the turn of the century the selections made often tell a story or twelve themselves.

April gives her characters yet another life with storytelling. As a very active member of Vancouver Society of Storytellers she shares both original and traditional tales with wide ranging audiences along the west coast. She is also the editor of the official VSOS newsletter.

Over the years, April has applied her creative talents to organizing numerous charity events and fundraisers. She has worked with the local media and businesses to help bring the human community together with compassion, hope and humor.

These days no matter where she is or what she's doing- April Kite is telling a story. Using actions, words, and lively illustrations she shares her vibrant story worlds with others.