South Bristol artist Sally Loughridge has been awarded a project grant by the Maine Arts Commission in support of the recent publication of “Daniel and His Starry Night Blanket: A Story of Illness and Sibling Love” through Maine Authors Publishing in Rockland.

Project grants are designed to assist artists with the creation of new work and the continuation of existing arts programs.

Loughridge is a cancer survivor, retired clinical child psychologist with over 25 years of experience, and professional artist. As writer and illustrator of this children's book, Loughridge shares the tale of a young boy whose older sister gets cancer and, from his perspective, far too much of their family's attention.

When one child is very sick, the whole family and daily life are affected. Routines are disrupted, emotions are intensified, economics are strained, priorities are changed, and relationships are stressed. Siblings often feel scared, angry, sad, left out, or even guilty and envious.

“Daniel and His Starry Night Blanket” is a resource for families on such a challenging journey through catastrophic illness.

An earlier book, “Rad Art: A Journey Through Radiation Treatment,” shares the 33 daily paintings Loughridge created during breast cancer radiation.

Both books are available through bookstores and online.

For more information on the artist/author: www.sallyloughridge.com.

The Maine Arts Commission is an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.