From art journal
to award-winning author
From art journal
to
award-winning author
And that was only the beginning.
And that was only the beginning.
Her creativity sparked speaking invitations, bookstore signings, interviews, collaborations, and international recognition. The book found its way into galleries, hotels, schools, and even a program in Sri Lanka where monks use it to learn English.
None of these opportunities were planned. They grew from the ripple effect of creative play—and from her belief that imagination can open doors.
That ripple became a book.
the book
The Land of Ampersand: Where Imagination Runs Wild is a national award-winning, 5-star book designed to stimulate the imagination and lift the spirit. What began as an art journal became a creative invitation—one that has been embraced by schools, galleries, hospitality spaces, and readers around the world. It has found its way from Barnes & Noble to Sri Lanka, to five-star resorts around the country, and into an elementary-school STEM program.
I was gifted The Land of Ampersand. What a fun delightful book! The turn of each page brought a surprise with its variety of original, colorful artwork and thought-provoking descriptions. A lesson in communication and language. It is playful while leading the reader on an inspiring journey of possibilities. Uplifting throughout, it brings with it deeper insights and new perspectives in the beauty of diversity. This simple, yet, complex easy-to-read book encourages one to let our imagination to soar, our heart to open to hope, joy, and inspiration. All ages can let their imaginations run wild. I purchased several copies to gift to others… The Land of Ampersand is a gift to all who visit. I plan to visit again and again. –Julie B.
And from the book came a new way to support other artists.
Danny Bess, 2024 Ampersand Arts Award recipient. Meramec Community College
Four students received the Ampersand Arts Award at the St. Louis ArtWorks 2024 Awards Ceremony
Ampersand Arts Award
In 2023, what began as a small celebration of World Ampersand Day on September 8 grew into something more: a fundraiser supporting community college art students and programs for at-risk youth.
The annual celebration honors the creative connections art makes possible—across people, materials, ideas, and disciplines.
At the heart of the event is the Ampersand Arts Award, a juried, merit-based honor recognizing outstanding art students and helping them take their next step.
Award stipends help students as they transfer to four-year colleges, build portfolios, begin creative careers, and cover essentials such as tuition, supplies, application fees, and other costs that keep them creating.
The event brings the community together through games, artist talks, a silent auction, photo opportunities, and the signature Ampersand Cocktail or Mocktail—all in support of the next generation of creative talent.
Ampersand Arts Award
In 2023, what began as a small celebration of World Ampersand Day on September 8 grew into something more: a fundraiser supporting community college art students and programs for at-risk youth.
The annual celebration honors the creative connections art makes possible—across people, materials, ideas, and disciplines.
At the heart of the event is the Ampersand Arts Award, a juried, merit-based honor recognizing outstanding art students and helping them take their next step.
Award stipends help students as they transfer to four-year colleges, build portfolios, begin creative careers, and cover essentials such as tuition, supplies, application fees, and other costs that keep them creating.
The event brings the community together through games, artist talks, a silent auction, photo opportunities, and the signature Ampersand Cocktail or Mocktail—all in support of the next generation of creative talent.
Danny Bess, 2024 Ampersand Arts Award recipient. Meramec Community College
Four students received the Ampersand Arts Award at the St. Louis ArtWorks 2024 Awards Ceremony
Behind each project is Cynthia’s larger belief: creativity can simplify ideas, spark connection, and create meaningful change.
About Cynthia
Cynthia Correll is an award-winning author, mixed-media artist, creative entrepreneur, and Communication Architect. Known for simplifying complex ideas through visuals, she brings together art, logic, and structure to inform, inspire, and entertain. She brings more than 40 years of corporate and small-business experience to her work at the intersection of creativity and leadership.
As a visual artist, she has exhibited around the country. One show favorite was her mason jar filled with alphabet soup and labeled “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Shake Before Reading“.
Through her thought-provoking and whimsical work, Cynthia explores harmony, joy, social reform, and new possibilities. Building on the book’s themes of connection and possibility, she helps people tap into creativity in ways that strengthen how they think, lead, and connect. She is also an inspirational speaker, coach, facilitator, and active philanthropist supporting emerging artists.
If Cynthia’s work has sparked a question, a collaboration idea, or simple curiosity, she would love to hear from you.
Ask me anything
Have a question about Cynthia’s book, artwork, speaking, coaching, collaborations, or the Ampersand Arts Award? Send a note and start the conversation.
Ask me anything
Have a question about Cynthia’s book, artwork, speaking, coaching, collaborations, or the Ampersand Arts Award? Send a note and start the conversation.