Mark Joseph Jaroszewski was born and lives in Akron, Ohio and earned a BFA from The University of Akron. His work consists of black and white drawings in mixed media reminiscent of children’s book illustrations. Sometimes dark and frightening and at other times light-hearted and whimsical, his work takes inspiration from film, television programs such as Simon in the Land of Chalk Drawings, video games, and street graffiti, simultaneously giving life to his own personal, imaginary world. Mark has enjoyed drawing since early childhood, but his work took on a new dimension in his late teenage years when he was diagnosed with mental health issues. His art began to serve as a means of communicating his sometimes-unusual spectrum of thoughts and feelings, as well as providing him with a comforting pastime. His work has been featured in several local venues over the past twenty years, and he is an active member of Artists of Rubber City.