WaterFire Sharon is proud to welcome back Michael Paglia. Born in Kissimmee, FL, Michael moved with his family to New Wilmington, PA in the Shenango Valley at age 1. He spent approx. 14 years in this area. His father is from Ellwood City so Michael has many relatives in Western PA. At age 3, Michael started to draw nonstop; at age 7 he began cartooning classes with local
cartoonist/artist, Dale McFarland, who presently lives in Sharon, PA. He encouraged Michael’s parents to do whatever it takes to further Michael’s artistic talents.
Michael later moved to San Antonio, where his maternal relatives are from and he graduated from high school there. He began oil painting classes with the mother of the lead character designer of SpongeBob SquarePants. Michael’s talents grew and he began winning local awards. His “Pancho Claus” was selected as the 2004 Official Christmas Card of San Antonio. He was Overall Winner of the 2005 “Fiesta in San Antonio” Student Art Contest with “Grand Finale.” In 2006 his Texas “Anti-Gang Poster Contest” entry was judged Overall Winner. Also in 2006, The Texas Commission on the Arts named him a “Texas Young Master” and selected him for their Texas Young Masters Scholarship Program.
Michael’s work begins with a real life image or idea to which he gives a humorous, whimsical twist. Each “twist” is influenced by his experiences and observations of people and nature. “I am successful with a piece if those observing it smile, think deeply for a while, and smile some more while imagining the various meanings it may have for them.” Michael uses oil and acrylic paint, pencil, ink, and Prisma Color pencils and markers. His works include paintings and drawings, and he has done numerous commission pieces. He was the featured artist at a charity wine event and received “Best in Category” at a recent fine arts show.
His website address is: www.michaelpaglia.com.
Michael exhibited at the July 19th WaterFire. “It was an absolutely great experience and I was in awe of the complex production and celebration! There was much interest in my artwork and I very much look forward to exhibiting in the next two WaterFire events this summer.”
