Featured Artists
The Guzman Project's mission is to empower women.
Our featured artists are creative women making their individual mark on our society, and it's our pleasure to promote them.
Jeanette Kamciyan
A heartwarming author.
Jeanette Kamciyan is a doctoral-prepared family nurse practitioner with a master's degree in information systems and
library science. Her writing experience extends to both fiction and prose; she has co-authored a juried professional
article and written several iterations of her final thesis.
After retiring from her nurse practitioner position, Jeanette now spends her leisure time pursuing writing, journaling, perfecting her culinary skills, as well as practicing and teaching Qi Gong.
She combines her love of language, healthcare, and teaching by volunteering in various international programs, teaching English, and applying her nursing skills where needed. Her recent trip to Italy revealed a unique trash collection system in a small Sicilian town that inspired her to create a children’s book series about a donkey, a boy, and the magic of finding what makes you shine.
The Incredible Trash Donkey Series
Don't Talk Trash
Discovering Hidden Talent
Don’t Talk Trash, the first book in The Incredible Trash Donkey series, tells the story of Josefina, the incredible trash donkey, and her school-aged caretaker, Antonio. Join Josefina and Antonio as they stroll through the narrow streets of Sicily, collecting trash and bravely navigating the tough dilemmas of contemporary childhood. The duo makes a powerful impact in this picture book, perfect for preschoolers and early readers alike.
Awards/Accolades: Finalist in the 2024 StoryTrade Awards
In the charming town of Castelbuono, Sicily, young caretaker Antonio and his loyal donkey Josefina collect more than
just trash - they collect hearts. When Luca, a shy boy with a disability, feels left out, the duo discovers a hidden talent
that brings the whole town together. A touching story of kindness, inclusion, and discovering one's unique gifts.
Awards/Accolades: 2025 Global Book Awards -Winner of the Bronze Medal
Colleen Mothersell
A tireless creator.
Famous for her beautiful quilts, Colleen is a tireless creator. She is always expanding her arsenal of talents and never backs away from a challenge—from dyeing her own textiles and refinishing and reupholstering furniture to welding her next project.
She’s a bit of a globe-trotter, and all that culture feeds her design ideas. Here at home, she has a beautiful, large family that keeps her moving between the Northeast and Colorado, but one thing is certain: wherever she is, you’ll find her working on one of her projects.
Colleen’s spirit of generosity in sharing her knowledge with others and her dedication to her art exemplify the kind of artist The Guzman Project symbolizes. It’s hard to keep up with her.