Artist & Author Michael Pekala

Michael Pekala will be at Bookmarks discussing his children's book, "James' Book of Unscary Monsters", and his process for illustrating it. You won't want to miss learning about his fascinating techniques. 

Books will be available for purchase at the event.

Michael Pekala lives in West Warwick, RI with his wife and two children, but his creative journey started in West Chester, PA, where as a young boy you could find him perpetually drawing in his sketchbook. His love of art would see him graduate from the Rhode Island School of Design and pursue creative fields as both a graphic designer and a painter.

Michael’s paintings are immediately recognizable for being painted on upholstery fabric, which infuses the work with whimsical energy. His works have been recognized in galleries throughout the Northeast and you can find his paintings each year at the Yellow Springs Art Show in Chester Springs, PA.

An artist with printing know-how, Michael wrote, illustrated and self-published his first book, "Ella Lee in To Catch a Hummingbird," which included many of Michael's fabric paintings. It received an Honorable Mention Royal Dragonfly Book Award for Children's Picture Books, ages 6 and up, as well as a 5-star review from Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews. 

In 2024, Michael followed up “Ella Lee” with “James’s Book of Unscary Monsters,” a story that tells the tale of a young boy who uses his imagination and humor to make classic monsters like the vampire and werewolf, “unscary.” Featuring unique illustrations painted on a combination of acrylic glass and upholstery fabric, the book was well-received and went on to enjoy the same accolades as his first book.

Besides being an artist, author and illustrator, Michael is co-owner of the boutique marketing agency, MKT, where he holds the title of “Sorcerer of Artistry.”