THOMASTON— There Has to Be Magic (Maine Authors Publishing, 2017), a biography of the life and art of Evelyn Kok, was named the winner of the Excellence in Publishing award for the 2018 Maine Literary Award on June 14, 2018.

"We are honored to have been a part of producing There Has to Be Magic," said Jane Karker, president of Maine Authors Publishing. "It is a beautiful book, and we are thrilled it is the winner of the Excellence in Publishing award."

There Has to Be Magic embodies the overarching spirit of the irrepressible Evelyn Kok, painter, musician, luthier, world-renowned medical illustrator, impish punster, tramper, and poet. Evelyn's life inspired others to be fully themselves, mark their own path, and protect their light. Beautifully illustrated, it is a story of magic. Evelyn believed, lived it and breathed it.

In 1990, Donna McNeil sold her gallery and home in Amherst, Massachusetts, and moved her life and livelihood to Maine. After serving as director of several nonprofit art organizations in the state in 2003 she was recruited to serve at the Maine Arts Commission, quickly rising to the post of director.

Since retiring from her post at the commission in 2013, McNeil has continued to support and advocate for the arts in Maine. Holding a master's degree in Art History from Harvard University, she has authored numerous essays on artists and their work. McNeil also serves on the board of directors at Space Gallery, Engine, Mechanics Hall, Friends of the Blaine House, and on the grants committee at Maine Women's Fund. To bring balance to her life, she teaches yoga at Niraj Studio in Portland, Maine, a beautiful place to live and work.

Christina Shipps graduated from the Boston Museum School as a metalsmith. Her career path meandered from teaching metal smithing, then managing a custom design jewelry salon, to designing for a New York fine jewelry manufacturer. She became vice president, and then became president of their overseas distribution company. Her aunt Evelyn's siren call eventually drew Shipps to Stonington, Maine where she reinvented herself as an inn owner, restaurateur, building renovator, and homemade ice cream manufacturer. Shipps shares her time between Stonington and Patten, Maine, where she and her husband, Glenn Gray, own Mountain Glory Farm.

Maine Authors Publishing works with independent authors to get their books published and in the hands of readers. Their goal is to offer authors affordable local printing and marketing solutions. There Has to Be Magic is available at local bookstores and from www.maineauthorspublishing.com.