For many years, artist Cindy Motley was known for her painterly beach portraits and fine art. Her work celebrated families, children, and the simple joys of life along the California coast.

Then, one day, something unexpected happened.

Without planning it, Cindy felt compelled to paint three new works unlike anything she had created before. Flowing through each painting was a simple checked ribbon, winding its way through the composition and connecting every element. The paintings were filled with symbolism, wonder, and a quiet feeling that everything in life is somehow connected.

Looking back, Cindy believes those ribbons may have been inspired by the countless hand-sewn appliqué quilt blankets she had lovingly created over the years. Just as each fabric piece is stitched together to form one beautiful whole, the ribbon became a symbol of the invisible thread that connects us all.

After completing the first three paintings, she quietly put them away.

Life took a different direction. Cindy began writing children’s books, creating lovable characters like Ann & Max, and building imaginative story worlds for families.

Years later, when she returned to painting, she found herself irresistibly drawn back to the ribbon.

One painting became another, then another, until the Ribbon of Love collection began to grow into a complete body of work. Every painting carried the signature checked ribbon, weaving through colorful worlds filled with turtles, octopuses, flowers, birds, and joyful symbols of hope, imagination, and human connection.

As the collection was exhibited in galleries, visitors often wanted to purchase individual paintings. But Cindy knew they weren’t meant to be separated.

They had always belonged together.

Rather than sell the collection piece by piece, she chose to preserve it as a single exhibition and shifted her creative focus toward developing her books, comic strips, and storybook characters.

Today, those two worlds come together.

The Ribbon of Love paintings and the imaginative stories of Ann & Max share the same heart: celebrating creativity, kindness, wonder, and the invisible thread that bring people together.

Now, for the first time, Cindy is bringing these collections together in one immersive exhibition—inviting visitors of all ages to experience both the fine art and the stories that grew from the same creative spirit.

Creating Happy has always been the goal. The Ribbon of Love is simply where that journey began.

Inspired by the beloved rhyming picture book Ann From Japan, this joyful exhibiItion invites children to step into Ann and Max’s colorful world of imagination.

According to the story, Ann spends her days hand-painting beautiful flower pots while her curious cat, Max, explores the garden. One magical day they discover mysterious eggs and carefully tuck them into Ann’s brightly painted pots. Before long, something extraordinary happens…

Those eggs hatch into the world’s very first peacocks, filling the garden with dazzling feathers, brilliant colors, and endless wonder.

Now it’s your turn to help the garden grow.

Every child receives their own ceramic flower pot to decorate with colorful paints and creative designs—just like Ann. Once their masterpiece is complete, they’ll take it home as a special keepsake. For an added garden experience, children can also plant a flower or seed in their painted pot and enjoy watching it bloom and grow long after the event has ended. It's a beautiful reminder that creativity can grow from even the smallest ideas.

Filled with flowers, butterflies, colorful gardens, peacocks, and hands-on art, The Ann From Japan Creative Garden encourages imagination, storytelling, and the joy of creating something beautiful to treasure forever.

Paint it. Create it. Love it. Take it home. 🌸🦚

One of the most beloved stories from the Ann & Max world began with a simple question:

“Which painting do you think would throw the best party?”

That playful conversation between Ann and Max quickly became one of the most popular comic strips on TikTok, delighting thousands of readers with the idea that when the museum closes… the paintings climb out of their frames and celebrate together until morning.

Now that comic has come to life.

The Cat Museum – After Hours is an immersive, family-friendly photo experience where children don’t just look at the story—they become part of it.

Guests begin by choosing their favorite cat-ear headband before one of our friendly museum helpers paints on an adorable cat nose and whiskers. Then it’s time to step inside the museum!

Children can sit on the famous museum bench beside Ann, Max, Pinky, and the colorful Museum Cats, pose with playful sculptures, explore the comic strip that inspired the exhibit, and create unforgettable family photos as though they’ve stepped directly into the pages of the story.

Every corner is designed to spark imagination, laughter, and creativity while encouraging families to slow down, explore together, and make lasting memories.

Because after all…

When the museum closes… the paintings come to life.

Every memorable story begins with a character you never forget.

From Ann & Max and their whimsical adventures through museums after hours, to Ann From Japan and her colorful Creative Garden, to Caitlin’s imaginative discoveries and the gentle message of Thank You, each story was created to spark creativity, kindness, and wonder.

These characters don’t just live in books—they come to life through interactive museum exhibitions where children can explore, create, paint, imagine, and become part of the story themselves.

Whether it’s discovering that paintings secretly come alive at night, decorating a colorful flower pot, following Caitlin on a new adventure, or ending the day with a grateful heart, every character invites children to slow down, smile, and create happy memories together.

Welcome to a world where art, stories, and imagination come together.