Hi, so nice to meet you
Under The Willow is a collaboration between independent, free-lance artist Cheryl Lee, and overly-creative dance teacher, Leigh Murphree. The two artists have dared to be wildly passionate about bringing this book to life for over 10 years. Though friends and family understandably had their doubts, Leigh and Cheryl held on to Faith, literally and figuratively.
Their friendship has ripened over time through the bitterness of losses and wonderful moments of divine providence. It is now sweeter than ever. They have been referred to as “two scoops of goodness” which perfectly describes two artists on a mission to make the world a sweeter place.
Meet Leigh Murphree, author
When Leigh was very young, there was a willow tree in her grandmother's front yard, and she would pretend the leafy limbs were curtains of her very own little theatre. The grown folks would sit out in the yard and watch Leigh dance on her makeshift stage under the willow tree. As an adult, Leigh named her first dance studio "Under the Willow Productions". This book is a continuation of that narrative in her life.
Leigh is the Costume Assistant and an instructor with the Alabama Ballet. She loves dance, creating live performances, costuming, set building, fairy dust, sparkles, music and lights, fabric, patterns, designs, color, and taking care of animals! She also enjoys volunteering with Olivia's House, a state-run home which provides holistic care for chemically dependent women and their children.
Meet Cheryl Lee, illustrator
Illustrator Cheryl Lee is an Ohio native and a self-taught artist. She’s inspired by the colors and shapes she finds in nature to create her unique art. Her work is featured on many products and greeting cards in major retail stores throughout the country.
Her artwork is the direct expression of her joyful spirit and brings peace, happiness, and inspiration to the viewer. Cheryl starts each piece of art with the intention to have fun and she says a little prayer that it will make a difference in the world. When she is not designing, you will find Cheryl taking care of a variety of furry friends (small in large), hiking, and traveling to exotic places.