Sandy Hanson

Studio # 46

"A Camel's story - A Search for the Messiah" by Sandy Hanson; companion puppets and plays.

35131 760th Ave
Ortonville,MN 56278
605-862-8200


www.camelstory.com


About the Artist I grew up on a farm in a small town in rural Minnesota. I have enjoyed nature and art for as long as I can remember and I have always loved to draw and to tell stories. I have written several puppet plays and have been involved in puppet ministry in my church for many years.

I came to know Jesus Christ at the age of 21 after questioning whether or not there truly was a God. I prayed, "God, either you're real or you're not -- and if you're real, then you had better show yourself to me or I'm not going to church anymore!"

Although I wouldn't necessarily promote that type of prayer, I know God honors anyone who is honest before Him and is earnestly seeking Him. Within two weeks He put people into my life that were able to lead me to Jesus Christ. Even though I'd gone to church all my life, I had not actually come to know Jesus personally.

Since that night, my life has never been the same and I've had a passion for spreading the gospel so I have channeled my artistic talents in that direction. My puppet ministry focuses on teaching the Bible and Biblical principles. I sew my own puppets and write many of my own plays.

The idea for "A Camel's Story" actually came to me as I was trying to put together a puppet play for our church Christmas program in December of 2001. About two years earlier I had made a life size camel to be used in our puppet ministry. It was too large to be used behind a puppet stage. I decided if I wanted to use him as the main character, the play would have to be a narrated, silent drama.

I determined the "camel's voice" would be used to narrate the play. I knew that he would be a rather prideful character who would be humbled after meeting Jesus. ---- That's all I knew.

With the Lord's help, I was able to write the camel's narration in less than an hour - the words "just came" as fast as I could write them down. Everybody enjoyed the play! -- Later that month, I had a dream. The camel story was in the form of a book. I saw pages turning and there were pictures on each page with Bible verses explaining the various scenes.

I believed the Lord wanted me to make it into a book, so I began drawing the scenes that came to mind and gave the first books to my children in March of 2002.

I got serious about getting the book published in 2004 when, "A CAMEL'S STORY -- A Search for the Messiah", was submitted to several publishers for consideration. My drawings were brought to life by my friend and professional artist, Kristi Delage, who offered to "colorize, enhance, and embellish" my rough sketches with water color pencils. She made them beautiful! The story was moved to scrolls opposite the pictures with optional reading (camel facts, bible facts and commentary) placed beneath them.

We found a publisher in Oct of 2004 and the book was in our hands on March 1st 2005. "My dream" has literally come true!

I really enjoy visiting and encouraging other "blooming authors and illustrators and puppeteers". I have fun sharing the message of the Camel's Story with the many people I meet so few of my favorite puppets usually travel with me.

Sandy Hanson




Exhibiting at the Red Barn


Directions: Through Ortonville Main Street on Hwy 7 Lakeroad,6 mi to Cty Rd 38, right up hill, 1st left om 760th ave. 1/2 mile to Red Barn