In the gallery:
October 3-29, 2026
Payton the Porcupine and the Big Feelings Children’s Book Release
Reception:
Saturday October 24
1:30-3pm
LRC Location
The Leduc Arts Foundry is honoured to host the release of Payton the Porcupine and the Big Feelings, a new children’s book by author Danyelle Lynch and illustrator David Tuff.
Payton the Porcupine has big feelings… and sharp quills. When emotions get overwhelming, an accident happens, and Payton must learn how to slow down, breathe, and listen to their body. A heart-centered story about emotional regulation, making amends, and learning that even big feelings can be handled gently.
All are welcome to join on October 24th from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the Leduc Arts Foundry (LRC location) to meet the author, Danyelle Lynch, and the illustrator, David Tuff. Guests can view the beautiful, original artwork in the gallery, children can enjoy activities, and there will be a special reading of the book! At the gala, the book will be available for pre-order alongside other fun Feelings and Friends gear for sale. Proceeds from sales go towards funding mental health services for those who cannot otherwise afford it and Art For Heart!
The artwork will be open to the public for viewing at our main gallery between October 3rd and October 30th.
This exhibit will also be hosted at our satellite locations over the next 3 months.
October: Main Gallery (4330 Black Gold Drive, Leduc AB)
November: Leduc Public Library (2 Alexandra Park, Leduc AB)
December: City of Leduc Civic Centre (1 Alexandra Park, Leduc AB)
About the Author and Illustrator
Danyelle Lynch - Author
Danyelle has been supporting children and families since 2008 and has practiced as a therapist since 2014. She believes that when kids understand what’s happening in their brains and bodies, big feelings become less scary and much more manageable.
She is also a proud mom of two, and her work at home inspires her just as much as her work in the therapy room. Helping families learn about emotional regulation, in ways that are practical, playful, and easy to use is at the heart of everything she does.
Danyelle’s vision is to give back to our community and help those who are most in need of both mental and physical support. So, the proceeds from the sale of Payton the Porcupine & the Big Feelings and any other Feelings and Friends books will go towards funding low-cost therapy sessions for those most in need of support at One Tree Psychological and Art for Heart, a foundation that supports the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
David Tuff - Illustrator
David is an illustrator, personal trainer/martial arts coach, and father to two girls. His foundation, Art for Heart was started as a way to give back to the Stollery Children's Hospital for all the amazing care and support over the years since his youngest daughter was born in 2014.
Calla Tuff (nicknamed Calla Bear) was born with a rare heart defect along with multiple other health concerns and the Stollery Children's Hospital has been a 2nd home to the Tuff family. Calla has had multiple open heart surgeries, stomach surgery, and physical rehabilitation at the Stollery with more surgeries and procedures upcoming in the future.
Through hard times, the incredible staff of nurses, doctors, technicians, and everyone at the Stollery Children’s Hospital have made these times a little bit easier.
