Mark Shasha

Swampscott, MA

"A man of unbounded creativity" - North Shore Magazine

Mark Shasha (b. 1961) is an award-winning American artist, author and educator.
His work has appeared in museums, galleries and publications for 40 years. His paintings are found in public and private collections around the world.  And millions have read his children's books which he has written and illustrated.   

After college at Rhode Island School of Design in 1983 Shasha was a frequent illustrator for the Boston Phoenix, The Globe and many other publications. His first children’s book, Night of the Moonjellies (Simon & Schuster, 1992) won a Marion Vannett Ridgway Honor Award and was welcomed by Smithsonian Magazine as “a classic.” It continues to appear on bestseller lists.

His work led to invitations to hundreds of schools and libraries where he delighted hundreds of thousands of children with his stories, songs and drawings. In recognition of his “outstanding contribution to the education of young people” Mark was the recipient of the Shining Star Award by The Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut. 

Shasha’s focus is light and texture in the natural world which he approaches in a traditional style with techniques of 19th and 20th century masters. In his popular video, “Shimmering Light” (Lilidahl Productions, 2021) he elaborates on some of his personal methods to achieve these effects.

He is a frequent award winner in notable art events across the country such as Forgotten Coast en Plein Air, Plein Air Easton, Laguna Plein Air Invitational and En Plein Air Texas.

Selected Publications

Associations

Shasha is a Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association and an elected member of The Salmagundi Club, The Guild of Boston Artists, The Copley Society, Rockport Art Association & Museum, North Shore Arts Association and other venerable art institutions. 

Recent Awards/Highlights

Mark’s recent awards include The 2021 Museum Purchase Award given by 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 (twice in one year). 

Shasha also frequently appears on stage as an actor and singer. Recent roles include Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, The Best of Broadway, The Miracle Worker,  Twelve Angry Men and Willy in Willy Wonka. He also sings with the Hillyer Orchestra in Salem, Massachusetts.

Mark also performs his multi-media presentation "Art Up!” a riff on the enduring, life-enhancing ideas of the Enlightenment.  

Website:  https://www.markshasha.com/