Our Team

Joe Mruk, aka Red Buffalo Illustration, is a Pittsburgh-based full-time freelance illustrator with eleven years of experience. Joe is working on a middle-grade graphic novel series and a picture book series. Most of his existing work is music-based with an emphasis on posters, maps and album art. He got his BFA in painting and graphic design at Cal U of Pennsylvania, and teaches illustration privately and in groups at the Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media. When he’s not illustrating, he can be found walking his dog October around town or going to shows in the city. Contact Joe at wpa-ra@scbwi.org!

Laura Garvin is an illustrator and dreamer who has a passion for drawing cute characters and colorful scenes. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her cat Blueberry and when she isn’t drawing she loves exploring new art mediums, reading, and spending time outdoors. Contact Laura at wpa-ic@scbwi.org!

As a professional artist and illustrator, Teresa Roberts Logan has created thousands of paintings and drawings (collectors include Whoopi Goldberg, Sherri Shepherd, and Kyoko Cox). Teresa also is the founder of Laughing Redhead Studio, a line of hilarious greeting cards that universally celebrates women through contemporary, edgy humour. She is a cartoonist, humour writer, and standup comic who lives in Pittsburgh, PA.

Sarah Rouhier is an author and elementary educator. Originally from West Virginia, she now resides in Pittsburgh where she loves visiting Phipps conservatory, shopping for vintage home decor, and practicing yoga in her sunroom. Sarah writes for all ages, with a love for verse novels and a focus on middle-grade. She recently earned her MFA in Children's Literature from Hollins University, where she was awarded the 2024 Annual Excellence in Academic Performance Award. She is excited to welcome new members to our region!

Amanda has illustrated a book about Diego, a Galapagos giant tortoise, and written several nonfiction science articles for Highlights for Children. When she isn't painting, she's writing middle grade fiction. An avid reader of natural history, human history, fantasy and adventure, she has exhibited her oil paintings of Emergency First Responders, another on seahorses and she has plans for another body of work inspired by ethereal moths and other night creatures. Amanda was born in Arizona, went to art school in the West (Colorado); lived in the South (Texas), and the North (Minnesota) and now resides in the East (Pennsylvania).