Denise Gallagher, ’92, didn’t realize it yet, but there was a reason she spent so much time among the liberal arts crowd in H.L. Griffin Hall during her college years — despite being a graphic design major.
In hindsight, it’s easy to connect the dots between her passion for creative writing and visual art. The veteran designer is enjoying a second act as a children’s book author and illustrator, with a new middle-grade anthology set for release in 2026 by UK-based imprint Moon + Bird. How to Calm a Rain Bull: And Other Stories of the Changing Seasons from Around the World features more than 100 of Gallagher’s illustrations alongside a collection of international folktales, including one from Louisiana.
This is not her first foray into folklore. Gallagher previously illustrated a Cajun folktale by Dr. Barry Ancelet, author and ѻƵ professor emeritus, published by UL Press. That opportunity led UL Press to acquire her first children’s book, A Tip Tap Tale. The story features a crooning hound dog who leaves his home in the swamp to make it big in New Orleans. She said that book marked her leap from designer to author.
“I wanted to be an illustrator for children's books, and I wrote a story so that I would have something to illustrate,” said Gallagher. “And that story ended up being published, and then I was like, ‘Oh, I can do this, and it's fun, and I love it.’”
That momentum continues to propel Gallagher into new creative waters. Last year, she received an ArtSpark grant from the Acadiana Center for the Arts to turn her book into a children’s musical that premiered at Wonderland Performing Arts in Lafayette. Gallagher, who previously spent 16 years working in graphic design and advertising before starting her own business, said her experience at the ѻƵ taught her to strive for excellence in all her creative work.
One professor in particular, Dutch Kepler, had a profound impact on her career. Gallagher said the visual arts professor, designer and musician who passed away in 2024 continued to cheer her on long after she graduated. One of Kepler’s paintings hangs above her fireplace. “He was by far the most inspirational teacher and mentor in my life,” she said.
Gallagher said she can trace the evolution of her career as an artist and writer to the strong foundation she received as a college student. “It all comes back to the support and the encouragement, and the teachers who were there to foster my creative spark.”
Photo caption: (top) Gallagher designs an illustration for her new book. Photo credit: (top) Courtesy photo
