CENTRAL CITY - On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the Gilpin County Arts Association in Central City, Betsy Shepardson hosted a book signing event for her self-published book titled The Surprising Adventure: A Story in Words and Pictures.

She is the author and illustrator of this classic and enchanting story of a young girl named Emily who embarks upon an adventure with animals and magic while reading her book. Other characters include The Littlest Squirrel and the selfish black bear.

The story is just as colorful as her beautiful and unique illustrations. "Just then thunder roared and lightning lit up a book lying on top of an old trunk," reads The Surprising Adventure.

Shepardson is an artist and author. She is a Colorado native and currently works out of her home in Denver.

She graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 1975 and studied in New York at the Art Students League of New York, earning a certificate in Fine Arts Illustration. While in New York, Shepardson created a book jacket for the famous Russian Tea Room.

She has always had a passion and interest in historical preservation and has a strong presence in the Gilpin County art community, including a painting of the Central City Opera House recently bought by a tourist.

Shepardson spoke of the possibility of a sequel and another book signing for holiday gift-giving time.

The Surprising Adventure: A Story in Words and Pictures is available in paperback and hardcover. To purchase a copy visit https://betsyshepardson.com/, https://www.amazon.com/Surprising-Adventure-Betsy-Shepardson/dp/B0CZ7J2WHM, or https://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/products/the-surprising-adventure-a-story-in-words-and-pictures.