Lansing man, 11-year-old student turn animal sketches into greeting cards

Riley Haughey sits at a kitchen table in Lansing, Michigan, using markers to draw animals on paper. The 11-year-old fifth grader calls these sketches Riley’s Critters. Each drawing becomes a greeting card designed to generate funds for her dance classes.

The cards are printed by Tony Klain, a neighbor who is 85 years old. The two have known each other for six years. Whitney Haughey, Riley’s mother, described Klain as kind and a friend to the family. When the family sought an affordable way to produce the cards, Klain offered his help.

Klain works from a home office where he uploads the digital files of Riley’s art. He uses software to clean up small imperfections in the images. He takes care to keep Riley’s specific artistic style, including her brush strokes and a signature paw print shaped like a heart. Klain said he does not like to change what Riley has done.

The work is personal for Klain. His wife, Phoebe, created similar artwork before she died. She left behind journals filled with drawings. Klain used his digital skills to scan those drawings and arrange them into a collection of monthly calendars. He said that artistic connection has helped him cope with the loss of his wife.

Riley provides feedback on the finished products. When she sees the final cards, she gives a nod of approval. She told the reporter that the process feels like magic to her. She believes the printing quality is top-notch.

Klain said the collaboration makes his day every time he works on the cards. He views the project as a way to stay connected with Riley through art. The two continue to work together on new designs for the Riley’s Critters collection.

The cards are now available for sale. The revenue from their sale goes directly toward covering the costs of Riley’s dance instruction. The partnership between the older neighbor and the young student continues as they prepare additional designs.