Bridging the digital and physical realms, the Happiness Series muses on the youthful energy and aesthetic movement featured in the uniquely American performance art of show choir. These 18 illustrations were created between January and March, 2020—before the group’s season was cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Originally, I created this work as part of a marketing campaign for Happiness, Inc., the varsity show choir from Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School, and the oldest show choir in America west of the Mississippi. My daughter was a member of this group for 2 years. My wife and I attended every performance, and it was always an exhilarating experience. Especially now, in the age of social distancing, it is almost miraculous to see these talented young people performing together. I wanted to capture their energy, optimism and youthful spirit—and I am pleased with the results.

All of these images were created just weeks before a global pandemic would force these performers apart for months, and in the case of graduating seniors, forever. This series is dedicated to them. “So Happy Together” is the name of this series—in part due to their namesake, but also because these young people expressed so much joy when they performed. In a very real sense, this is also a story of innocence cherished, but innocence lost. The theme for their 2020 show was “The Joy of Being a Kid”. The lyrics of their first song ask: “Why do we have to grow up? Why can’t we stay young forever? Life seems too scary sometimes…” In retrospect, their theme was ironic, if not prescient to the way their season abruptly ended. So it was all the more important to capture their innocence and youthful energy, before the world changed.

I also created a short film about this group, entitled “The Pursuit of Happiness, Inc”. (click here to view) The story follows the members of Happiness, Inc. The passion, creativity and drive of these young people take center stage during their abbreviated, yet extraordinary 2020 season.