The Woman Who Changed America—And Why We Forgot Her

Jennifer Merz, writer, illustrator, collage artist, and author of "Steadfast: Frances Perkins, Champion of Workers' Rights," joins Dr. Lisa Belisle on Radio Maine to discuss creativity, perseverance, and the value of trusting a long creative process.

After working in textile design and later earning an MFA in Illustration, Merz spent nearly a decade researching, writing, illustrating, and ultimately self-publishing her award-winning children's biography of Frances Perkins. Along the way, she discovered that creative work rarely follows a straight line—it evolves through curiosity, revision, persistence, and a willingness to keep showing up.

From handcrafted collage and children's literature to Maine's artistic community and the enduring legacy of Frances Perkins, this conversation explores how meaningful work often grows from patience as much as inspiration.

Join our conversation with Jennifer Merz today on Radio Maine—and be sure to subscribe to the channel.