Artist known for cute drawings is not afraid to speak up about social injustice

Engelbreit, in her studio in St Louis, Missouri, the United States. She is widely known for her greeting cards and children’s book illustrations. However, she also posts her drawings on social media to speak out against injustice. — TNS

Walking into Mary Engelbreit’s studio is like stepping into one of her storybooks – a whimsical, bright space brimming with preciousness and a sprinkle of sass. Eight decorative birdhouses are perched on top of a short wall by the entry. There’s a nook with a checker-print sofa and images of Scottish terriers on the throw pillows. A cheerful quilt hangs on the wall above the sofa, and a myriad dolls, figurines and stuffed animals are crammed on the shelves nearby.

The artist who created this licensing empire, with more than 13,000 pieces of usable art including calendars, books, tea sets, ribbons and fabrics, is a 67-year-old St Louisan calling out her own sheltered world of cuteness.