Mark Shasha (b. 1961) is an award-winning American artist, author, and educator whose work has captivated audiences for over 40 years. His paintings, known for their masterful portrayal of light and texture, are featured in museums, galleries, and private collections worldwide. Millions have also enjoyed his beloved children’s books, which he has both written and illustrated. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (1983), Shasha began his career as an illustrator for publications such as The Boston Phoenix and The Boston Globe. His debut children’s book, Night of the Moonjellies (Simon & Schuster, 1992), was hailed by Smithsonian Magazine as “a classic” and received the Marion Vannett Ridgway Honor Award. The book remains a bestseller, enchanting new generations of readers. Shasha’s storytelling extends beyond the page. His visits to schools and libraries have inspired hundreds of thousands of children, earning him the Shining Star Award from The Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut for his outstanding contributions to youth education.As a painter, Shasha embraces traditional techniques influenced by 19th and 20th-century masters, with a focus on the interplay of light and texture in the natural world. His expertise is showcased in Shimmering Light (Liliedahl Productions, 2021), a popular video in which he shares his artistic approach. His work has garnered top awards at prestigious plein air events, including Forgotten Coast en Plein Air, Plein Air Easton, Laguna Plein Air Invitational, and En Plein Air Texas.A Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists and Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, Shasha is also an elected member of The Salmagundi Club, The Guild of Boston Artists, The Copley Society, Rockport Art Association & Museum, and the North Shore Arts Association. His recent accolades include the 2021 Museum Purchase Award from The San Angelo Museum of Art, Easton Artist’s Choice Award, Oil Painters of America Award of Excellence, and The Alden Bryan Memorial Award for Excellence in Landscape Painting—which he won twice in one year.Beyond the easel, Shasha is a dynamic stage performer, appearing in productions such as To Kill a Mockingbird, The Miracle Worker, Twelve Angry Men, and Willy Wonka. He also sings with the Hillyer Orchestra in Salem, Massachusetts.In addition, Shasha presents Art Up!, a thought-provoking multimedia program that explores the enduring, life-enhancing ideas of the Enlightenment.