Traverse City Michigan First Stop on National Book Tour

Nationally known Michigan artist Kristen (VanderZouwen) Jongen thought she had overcome life’s toughest hurdles. A mother of three, Kristen believed she was in a stable marriage, and financially secure. Until one day, her world exploded and she was left to raise her family on her own and forced to embark on a new career. “Growing Wings” is Jongen’s artistic and literary chronicle of her journey back from the depths of despair and into an unexpected, fulfilling new life as an entrepreneur, artist and mother.

Traverse City, MI (PRWEB) August 31, 2006 -- Nationally known Michigan artist Kristen (VanderZouwen) Jongen thought she had overcome life’s toughest hurdles. A mother of three, Kristen believed she was in a stable marriage, and financially secure. Until one day, her world exploded and she was left to raise her family on her own and forced to embark on a new career. “Growing Wings” is Jongen’s artistic and literary chronicle of her journey back from the depths of despair and into an unexpected, fulfilling new life as an entrepreneur, artist and mother.

“Growing Wings” will help anyone going through one of life’s many transitions. Jongen writes with brutal yet inspirational honesty about the ups and downs of living, losing, and facing the unexpected. A lively, humorous and inspiring read, the book contains Jongen’s artistic representations of each phase of her journey, including the move back to her hometown of Traverse City. “Growing Wings” is an excellent example of how the human spirit must survive and thrive even in the darkest times.

Following the October release of “Growing Wings” Jongen will host book signings at Horizon Books and Higher Self in Traverse City with a launch party at the City Opera House on Nov 2 from 6-10 p.m. National signings will include New York, Chicago and Las Vegas. For a full list of dates as well as information on ordering your copy of “Growing Wings” you can stop by Soul Soup at 109 S Union, Traverse City or on the web at www.mysoulsoup.com.

"I am a huge fan of Kristen's work and so are my customers. The vulnerability and depth she brings to her art is both rare and divine. You are in for a treat," said Lisa Hammond Founder of Femail Creations, Author of Dream Big!

“Kristen’s art IS poetry because her art begins in her heart as words. This very personal presentation is raw, challenging, funny and will touch nerve and heart. Above all it has a certain kind of beauty.”

Mary Anne Radmacher, Artist and Author of Lean Forward into Your Life

Kristen Jongen founded Soul Soup in 2003. Since then, her work has rocketed to the forefront of the American art movement. Jongen has been featured in national magazines and won acclaimed recognition for her poetry also. In 2004 Jongen was selected for the emerging artist award by the Rosen Group. Soul Soup is a creative enterprise that features Jongen’s original large format collages and prints, now available nationally. The artist and writer is represented in over 200+ galleries and gift shops from Martha’s Vineyard to Southern California. Jongen is based in Traverse City, Michigan where she lives with her three children.

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