Michael Garland
استاد مهمان · Children's Book Illustration
Western Connecticut State Universityمعرفی
Michael Garland is a New York Times best-selling author, illustrator, and fine art painter serving as Visiting Professor in the Art Department of Western Connecticut State University's School of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts. A Pratt Institute graduate, he maintains dual careers in children's literature and oil painting, with works held in private and corporate collections nationwide.
His creative practice centers on Children's Book Illustration and Fine Art Painting, producing forty authored picture books and over fifty illustrated works for other authors. Notable for blending educational content with narrative, his award-winning books like Birds Make Nests (2018) demonstrate expertise in early science education through accessible informational texts. His fine art output focuses on classical landscape, portrait, and still life oil paintings created in his Patterson, NY studio.
Garland's publications reveal consistent excellence in children's science education and visual storytelling, earning recognition from major industry institutions. His work trends show specialization in nature-based educational content for young readers while maintaining technical mastery in traditional oil painting techniques.
Key honors include:
- California and Delaware State Reading Awards for Miss Smith’s Incredible Storybook
- 2018 Correll Book Award and Outstanding Science Trade Book Award for Birds Make Nests
- Kirkus Top Twenty-Five Picture Books of the Year for Fish Had A Wish
- New York Times Best Seller listing for Miss Smith and the Haunted Library
- Recurring features in Society of Illustrators Original Art Show and communications industry annuals
While no formal advising or grant activities are documented, Garland contributes to academic development through WCSU's MFA Visiting Artist Lecture series. His professional studio in Patterson, NY operates as his creative hub for fine art production and client commissions, maintaining regular public hours and community engagement through exhibitions and direct sales.
