Artists Speak

Editor’s Extra

BY NJEMILE ALI

Copyright 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

I met a host of talented artists and entrepreneurs at the Eutaw, Alabama Summer Festival a few weeks ago. There were culinary artists, food-growing artists, artists producing beautiful things and much more. They gathered at the town square for this annual event.

Two of those artists are sharing their art and their perspective in this “Art & Artist” issue of KIZA: Annette Jordan, master weaver of beautiful pine straw baskets and Dr. Monica Nicole Morton, author of an inspiring children’s book series that follows little Nicole on adventures that will surely take her to a bright future.

Ms. Jordon and Dr. Morton are sharing a bit about how they relate to their art and how their art relates to the world.

Annette Jordan

I am a native of Eutaw, Alabama, where I practice and teach the art of pine straw basketweaving. I am a master pine straw basket weaver, and I learned from  a

master: my mother. Over 30 years ago, I spent precious time with my mother, soaking up her artistry and skills, as well as receiving focused lessons from her.

When my mother died, it became my sincere hope and goal to continue her legacy of basketweaving by teaching others and following her path. Basketweaving is a tradition that creates long-lasting art from our natural resources. I see art as a way to share cultural values, ideas and creative expressions. 

Shanté Nicole Morton

I am an educator and children’s author on a mission who uses literature, creativity, and storytelling to inspire young readers to explore themselves and the world. To do so, I use literature, creativity and storytelling, which combine four of my great loves: children, art, education and storytelling. I enjoy exposing children to visual art, creative expression, dance, sports, education, storytelling and imaginative thinking.

When I create my characters and illustrations, I have in mind the children who will interact with them. I use bright, bold colors in my books, inviting students to experience literature as an art form. The stories and images encourage creativity, self-expression and a love for reading.

In What Will Nicole Be?, Nicole explores her interests, talents and dreams while showing children that there are many possibilities for their future. The story motivates students to discover their gifts through sports, dance, education, the arts, and other career interests while reminding them that they can dream beyond limitations. The accompanying coloring book extends that experience by allowing children to become artists themselves through coloring and creative expression.

My art fuels my work, my life and my vision for our children’s future.