Who is the artist behind Laughing Squirrel? 

Erika brings together the magic of nature and the wonder of childhood in her vibrant watercolor collages.  As a Colorado native, she finds endless inspiration in the mountains, wildflowers, and wide skies just outside her door.  Each piece is carefully hand-drawn, painted, cut, and arranged, layering intricate details to create depth and movement.  As a kindergarten teacher, Erika is deeply influenced by the colorful world of children's literature-especially the playful collage style of Eric Carle. Her work celebrates curiosity, joy, and the boundless imagination of seeing the world through a child's eyes. 

The name "Laughing Squirrel" is a special part of her story. It came from a mother-daughter workshop, led by Native American women that her mom took her to when she was young.  As part of the Native American Tradition, they gifted each other names—names that reflected how they saw one another.  Erika's mom chose “Laughing Squirrel”, a nod to her childhood spirit: busy, wild, energetic, and endlessly silly. The name stuck and still perfectly captures the playful energy she tries to bring to both her art and life.
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Through Laughing Squirrel,  she hope to share pieces that feel alive—full of light, color, and a touch of wonder.

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