General 2 — Mirkah

I’d love to visit your school, library or bookstore. If you are interested in setting up a visit or a workshop, you can reach out via the Contact page (link in top menu), or email me at mirka (underscore) hokkanen (at) yahoo (dot) com.

One of the most rewarding parts of being an illustrator, author and a printmaker is the connections I make during visits and workshops. I’ve taught and spoken to people of all ages, from kids to grownups.

Since the pandemic, I’ve moved my art/book related classes online, you can find them on Skillshare, Etchr and Gumroad (links in the main menu). While I mostly teach online now, I’m open to in-person classes again.

Some recent art classes I have taught over Zoom are:

How to Research and Organize Querying for Literary Agents (SCBWI Hawaii event)
Basic Printmaking – Relief Printing (SCBWI Hawaii & Alaska Illustrator Intensive)
Wood Engraving Surfaces – Pros and Cons (Wood Engravers Network talk)
Several Watercolor classes for Etchr Lab and Skillshare.

Author-illustrator visit at Camp Humphreys MS

Idea wall. 6th class writing workshop at Camp Humphreys MS

Printmaking demo at the Frame Gallery in Bryan TX

More detailed info about school visits coming soon.

What others have said:

"Humphreys Middle School had the wonderful opportunity to have Mirka come and talk to the entire 5th grade to cap off our celebration of Read Across America in the Spring of 2023. She gave a dynamic presentation, keeping over 250 students engaged while walking us through the process of planning, writing, illustrating, and publishing picture books. Utilizing her story development techniques, students then returned to the classroom where they “published” their own short graphic novels."

Sarah Walton Taylor , Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO), Secretary
“Mirka Hokkanen made writing come alive for students! They were mesmerized with her presentation, and gained an appreciation for the craft of writing. The room was practically over flowing with ideas which students eagerly posted to create their own “idea wall” for future stories.”
- Ms Harris, Camp Humphreys Middle School

What others have said:

“Mirka Hokkanen made writing come alive for students! They were mesmerized with her presentation, and gained an appreciation for the craft of writing. The room was practically over flowing with ideas which students eagerly posted to create their own “idea wall” for future stories.”