Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists

Getting to Know the World's Greatest Composers

Getting to Know the World's Greatest Inventors & Scientists

Mike & George's Weird World of Wackiness

Stop by the LA County Fair this September and check out -GENIUS- A Celebration of American Innovation! Mike's Inventor books and illustrations will be featured at the exhibit!

Mike Venezia's Newest Series Getting Rave Reviews!

Mike Designs Mural
Located on the Naperville Art League Building

508 Center Street, Naperville, Illinois 630.355.2530

Mike was commissioned to create a design for Naperville's Century Walk as part of the city's public arts program.

The mural is 67 feet by 12 feet, and features Mike's whimsical characters of both famous and local artists.

(click on any of the below images to enlarge)

Mike is pictured with the Mural Committee before work begins.

Closeup detail of Mike's color layout.

The mural progresses!

Mike and Faith Ringold

Mike talks about the mural

The completed mural

So many artists!

Mike talks about the mural

Mattise

Paul Klee

Edward Hopper

Gauguin & Whistler

Picasso, Seurat & Friends

Dali & O'Keeffe

Mike Venezia Inducted into Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame!

The prestigious Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame gives public recognition to artists associated with the Fox Valley that have achieved international or national acclaim to ensure a strong cultural legacy for future generations. Each inductee has a permanent plaque on display at The Paramount Art Theater in Aurora, Illinois.

Reviews

Artists & Composers

...I love it. I have been reading and showing Mike's text and drawings to everyone and we can't stop laughing. -- Faith Ringgold

Mike Venezia's Warhol

Mike Venezia is a genius. Seriously. He has taken the intimidating subjects of art and music history and not only made them understandable, but irresistible. -- The Old Schoolhouse, The Magazine for Homeschool Families (click here for full review)

Presidents

This is truly the child's presidential reference set that no home or school should be without. -- The Midwest Book Review

Several of my children were actually fighting over the first new GETTING TO KNOW THE U.S. PRESIDENTS book when it came in. My 15-year -old down to the 7-year-old have read through... -- (click here for the full review)

Inventors and Scientists

Previous Getting to Know series established the mix of approachable facts and wacky illustrations, and this set tackles major figures in science. Mike Venezia's visuals will grab readers, and his research will keep them hooked. -- Top Ten Non-Fiction Series, Booklist, April 1, 2009.

...a welcome addition to an elementary school library. -- Science Books & Films, May/June 2009.