Meet Camille Campbell | Author, Artist, & Nonprofit Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Camille Campbell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
On my journey as an author and artist, I’ve learned the importance of being persistent and staying true to myself with what I create. Along the way, I’ve also realized that I can use my art as a tool to help others. My main artistic passions are writing and painting—two areas that I often love to combine. For example, when writing the picture book Her Poems: Women Poets Who Changed the World, I used my art and writing skills to design a book about inspiring women poets throughout history. By publishing Her Poems, I’ve had a wonderful experience collaborating with teachers in many states and hearing how the book inspired their own students to be passionate about creative writing. Encouraging young writers has been very important to me because the support I received when I was younger influenced me as a writer. I began with writing short stories, which eventually helped me grow confidence to pen my first fantasy novel The Wishner’s Curse. Ever since I published my debut book, I’ve enjoyed touring schools and sharing my story. Students have told me that my experience as a young author inspires them to pursue their dreams. To give other aspiring writers a platform to raise their voices, I decided to form Rising Poets Community, a nonprofit that provides poets with a platform to showcase their powerful words. After creating a Support Ukraine Through Art initiative, I was inspired to join the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) as a Young Champion for Refugees. UNHCR encourages people involved to use their special skill sets in assisting refugees. Being part of their programs has taught me how everyone can be an advocate for refugees and that there are many ways people can support refugees in different communities. As a creator, I am most passionate about raising awareness through my writing and artwork. I’m excited to continue my journey of combining my passions for both art and activism since art is a powerful tool that can be used to make the world a better place.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Arizona, we’d start our day with a hike in Sedona and admire the golden sunrise that sets the red rock canyons aglow. After enjoying an invigorating walk in nature, I’d take my friend to art galleries around Sedona, such as the beautiful Visions Art Gallery. On another day, I’d enjoy showing my friend all my favorite parts of Scottsdale. After browsing through Poisoned Pen Bookstore and visiting the charming shops at Old Town Scottsdale, we’d enjoy a dinner at the Scott Canal Club. For the final day of the trip, I’d take my friend to the beautiful Butterfly Wonderland and attend an immersive show at the ethereal Lighthouse Artspace. Finally, we would spend our evening watching the weekend fireworks that light up the sky!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to dedicate my Shoutout to my amazing mother! She is the most supportive person and makes my life so bright. My mom inspires me and always encourages me to chase my dreams. Every time I get a chance, I love to share how much she means to me!

Website: http://camillescampbell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camillescampbell/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camille-campbell-aaa3b91b8/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryTellingCSC

Other: https://www.risingpoetscommunity.org