In a world filled with instant messaging, the slow, intentional act of writing a letter may feel outdated. However, there is something uniquely powerful about putting pen to paper, something that connects hearts across miles.

For many years I used to haul my painting gear from my home to my car, and to the studio space, which I used twice a week at the Art Students League of Denver. After each session, I would scrape out my precious paints, clean out my easel and brushes, pack my gear, and lug it all back into the car.

Growing up in Côte d'Ivoire, school was out from June to September during the monsoon season. That’s when I spent my time creating. On these long rainy days, when I could not play outdoors with my friends, I was content making art: drawing, making paper dolls, painting plaster santons, and hand-sewing doll clothes.