Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Gerlach.
Elizabeth, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an creative professional.
Hi there. I’m originally from Virginia but have lived in Illinois for 11 years now. My background is in marketing, having held many marketing and advertising positions over a 20-year career. In 2012, my husband and I were pregnant with triplets and I decided to become a stay at home mom (SAHM) at that point, not knowing what all would be involved with raising and caring for young triplets. My kids were born prematurely and we spent several months in the NICU. My one son Benjamin was diagnosed spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy at 10 months old, as a result of complications from the prematurity. Over the course of a few years, he would require many therapies, surgeries, doctors visits, and special care. After a two year battle with various respiratory illnesses, Benjamin passed away at Lurie Children’s Hospital in May 2016. In April 2017, we established the Ben Smiles Memorial Foundation – with the mission of purchasing switch-adapted toys and small devices to kids with motor challenges/diagnoses. These Items are not covered by insurance but it is still important for all kids to have access to play and their environment. In addition, I released my first children’s book in May 2018 called Ben’s Adventures: A Day at the Beach. It is a sweet and inspiring story that shows despite physical/medical differences, all kids can play and dream. All children can have meaningful connections, can have adventures and can enjoy life. I’m hoping to release more.
We’d love to hear more about your work. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I released my first children’s book Ben’s Adventures in May 2018 – it was inspired by my late son Benjamin and has the core theme that kids are kids first, and all can play & dream. Benjamin is my inspiration – he was a sweet, smart boy and had a drive and determination that he demonstrated every day. He had a tough short life but smiled every day. I hope I can make him proud of the Ben Smiles Memorial Foundation and Ben’s Adventures children’s book series.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
I think drive, focus, purpose, and passion – if you have a passion and driven to achieve a mission or message then you’ll succeed.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
www.Bens-Adventures.com – people can order the book online. It’s also available on Amazon
www.BenSmiles.org – if people would like to donate to our mission of buying toys and other devices to kids with motor or sensory diagnoses.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Bens-Adventures.com
- Phone: 3126362969
- Email: elizabeth@bens-adventures.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bens_adventures_book/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bens.Adventures.Book/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/ElizGerlach
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/bensmiles/
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