Who are we at BELIEVE IN WONDER?
Believe In Wonder is a youth focused publishing entity based in Portland, OR. We publish internally developed works like The Wonderous Science, YOU CAN RELY ON PLATYPI, and Crow in the Hollow, but also actively search out new and amazing works to bring to the public eye. Our focus is to promote imagination, inspiration, and positive thinking in kids and adults alike. In a time where social pressures and injustices threaten to take away our ability to dream of a better future, we hope to promote endeavors and education that uplifts and inspires, as well as provides creative outlets for the young and young at heart. We have an emphasis on bringing these opportunities to underrepresented communities and their allies, but we hope our work and message is embraced by many.
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Brian W. Parker – AUTHOR, ILLUSTRATOR, EDUCATOR and CREATOR OF THE FANTASTICAL
I grew up in Alaska, then Mississippi, and have always been in love with storytelling in every medium. Literature, movies, art, you name it! I have a BFA in graphic design and illustration, as well as a MA in writing and publishing, and worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for almost 15 years in music publishing, corporate marketing, and sports/entertainment.
Now I spend my days working on in youth publishing (so cool, right?) and teaching about the creative process. I'm always trying to learn and grow in my craft and find that I am happiest when I'm striving to bring the works of my imagination to life, as well as sharing that experience with others. |
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Josie A. Parker – CURATOR and ARTISAN OF IMAGINATION and WONDER
I grew up in the South, and I'm a southern girl at heart. My love of creativity has been life-long, and is deeply rooted in my love for helping others. I've spent my adult life as a caregiver and para-professional with children and adults with special needs. My husband and I are also foster parents, and are strong advocates for children in the foster care system. Through my experiences, I've learned that I find great joy and inspiration in helping others find their own creative voices. Although I'm a author, illustration colorist and master crocheter, I've found that I'm most happy in helping cultivate art within others and guiding them through the ups and downs of the creative process.
Through Believe In Wonder, I bring to bear all of my experience to create classes and creative exploration events for children and young adults. I feel that by expanding our imaginations and our sense of wonder, we can achieve great things in our own lives, and help better the lives of others. |
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Kamari and Victor Parker – CIOs (CHIEF INSPIRATION OFFICERS)
Our two CIOs are always hard at work helping to keep Believe In Wonder focused on its mission - inspiring the young and young at heart (also jumping on their dad and driving their mom insane!)
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Everyday Heroes on KATU featuring Believe In Wondering Publishing!
A Brief But Spectacular: The Parkers and Bridge Meadows
BELIEVE IN WONDER: The Documentary by Caleb Jacobson
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Despite barriers for people of color, it’s remarkable what a difference one talented African American couple makes when they simultaneously grow a family through foster/adoption, grow their sci-fi publishing business, and unite an intergenerational Pacific Northwest community – all through the magic of books.
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Recognition:
Best In Show - Albany Film Festival 2023 Best Documentary Award - CineYouth Festival 2023 Best Oregon Film Award - Oregon Documentary Film Festival 2023 Best Documentary Finalist - Oregon Documentary Film Festival 2023 Best Director Finalist - Oregon Documentary Film Festival 2023 First Runner Up, Young Filmmaker Competition - Friday Harbor Film Festival 2023 Tacoma Film Festival - 2023 Official Selection CineYouth Festival 2023 - Official Selection Albany Film Festival 2023 - Official Selection Eastern Oregon Film Festival 2023 - Official Selection Cindependent Film Festival 2023 - Official Selection Lane Doc Fest 2023 - Official Selection Friday Harbor Film Festival 2023 - Official Selection Student Film Awards 2024 - Official Selection |