WRITER/AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR/MURALIST/DESIGNER:

 

Kim Hansen is the Amazon bestselling author, writer and illustrator of THE ADVENTURES OF SHERIFF WILLIKER, a NEW series of children's picture books, ages 4-8. She believes every child should be read to.

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THE ADVENTURES OF SHERIFF WILLIKER was inspired by Kim's childhood memories growing up in a small lake community in Dickinson County located in northwest Iowa. Her grandparents lived in the quaint town of Superior, Iowa, where Kim spent most of her childhood days—and the place where she draws from her imagination. Her grandpa was the Marshal of Superior and her inspiration for Sheriff Williker. In January 2014—combining her talents as an investigative researcher and muralist—she set out to accomplish her dream of writing and illustrating the series of her of children's picture books.

 

THE ADVENTURES OF SHERIFF WILLIKER. Book No. 1, "The Case of the Missing Horseshoe," was released on March 10, 2014, and immediately became a best-seller on Amazon's Top 100 Books [Large Print] Children’s Books, and #2 in Hot New Releases in Children’s Books. It is available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, and Kobo e-book editions.  The paperback and Kindle formats are available in both English and Spanish language. Book No. 2, "The Case of the Riverdale Lake Monster" was released September 2017, and immediately became a best-seller on Amazon's Top 100 Books - Children's Books - Fairy Tales, Folk Tales and Myths.

 

MURALS/CANVAS PAINTINGS:

 

In May, 2015, Kim Hansen was featured on Thumbtack's Spotlight as a top muralist in Gilbert, Arizona. 'Kim can take the substance of your dreams to create wonderful murals that give life to any room. Her slogan is, "if you can dream it, I can make it happen".'

 

Kim owns and operates J.K. Hansen Studios in Gilbert, Arizona (f/k/a Custom Murals & Designs.) She is a self-taught artist with 27 years experience. Her work has been showcased throughout Colorado, Florida and Arizona. Research is a big part of Kim's work. She uses the internet, books and magazines to find pictures of characters and landscapes, and searches archives to study how places looked years ago, then draws on her imagination to bring the projects to life. She specializes in custom hand painted wall murals for kids rooms, playrooms, nurseries, teens, custom hand painted wall tiles, canvas paintings, trompe l'oeil, marbleizing columns, faux niches and windows.

Kim grew up in a small town in northwest Iowa.  After graduating from college, she moved to Colorado and worked a number of years as a paralegal, and later obtained her license in Real Estate. Painting murals and interior decorating started off as a passionate hobby during Kim's free time, but as demand grew through word-of-mouth, she decided to make herself more available.  While living in Colorado, Kim studied Interior Decorating and received her Diploma in November 2002, and launched Kim Hansen Interiors, a/k/a Custom Murals & Designs, currently JK Hansen Studios. Her husband, John, has a background in architectural drafting and has been known to pick up a pencil and paint brush to assist Kim with the sketching and painting during her busiest times. On occasion, her two adopted children--now teenagers--even lend a helping hand.
 
In April 2004, the Hansens moved to Florida where Kim continued her custom mural and interior decorating business. That Fall, the Hansens experienced an unforgettable ordeal, as did many other people living in Florida. Within a 6-week period of time, their house and community were battered by four (4) hurricanes, beginning with Hurricane Charley on August 13, 2004. Business slowed down for a few months, but after the communities began to recover, Kim was right back at it and her business recovered in no time--stronger than ever!  But there was still something missing. In June 2006, the Hansens decided to move to Arizona to be near family, and currently reside in Gilbert. 

 

TIP:  When thinking of having a mural created for your home or business here are a few things to consider. Decide on a location for your mural. What size will the mural be? Make a list of interests or themes. Collect images from magazines, books, or photographs that inspire you. Think about the desired effect and overall atmosphere.   

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IN THE NEWS: December 2004, Kim was featured in Hewlett Packard's Corporate Magazine. Kim donated her time and talent, in collaboration with Hewlett Packard (HP), to paint a rainforest mural for the boys' recreation center at Lakeside Alternative, a facility for troubled teens, in Orlando, Florida.

 

Recently, she was featured on Houzz.com and Thumbtack Spotlight.

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DESIGNER:

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ARTISTS, DESIGNERS, and LITERACY join together at VIDA:  'I am excited to be a designer for VIDA!' Kim's murals, canvas paintings, artwork, illustrations and photography are now wearable art at VIDA.

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'VIDA’s story is that of the rich, interconnected world we live in -- the story of contemporary life and mindful, global citizenship.' VIDA is a global partnership of co-creators, from a designer in Paris, to a producer in Karachi, and a consumer in San Francisco, California.

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LITERACY FOR LIFE - A portion of the earnings help send VIDA'S makers to school so they can learn to read, write, and do basic math and build a better life.

 

Click here to see Kim Hansen's VIDA collection!

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INVESTIGATIVE RESEARCH:

 

Kim's literary career began in 2009 as a freelance investigative researcher working on true crime book projects with authors, Sherrie Lueder, John Hansen, Jill Hansen Smith, and Tyson Wrensch. Both books, HE KILLED OUR JANNY: "A Family's Search for the Truth, and UNTIL SOMEONE GETS HURT became bestsellers on Amazon, Kobo and iTunes. The authors, including Kim, have been guests on several true crime podcasts, radio and television. UNTIL SOMEONE GETS HURT was featured on Investigation Discovery shows FORBIDDEN "Prince of Darkness" and A STRANGER IN MY HOME, with appearances by Lueder and Wrensch.

In June, 2013, Kim was accepted into The American Investigative Society of Cold Cases (AISOCC) as a General Member--outstanding individuals who demonstrate a commitment to the pursuit of truth and justice for homicide victims. AISOCC members are a growing voice for all the victims who cannot speak for themselves.