VincentMyrandArt

Self -taught, fine artist, illustrator, and art instructor Vincent Myrand has been invited to attend "Authors Alley" at The Oz-Stravaganza this year! Vincent's "Wizard of Oz" & "Return to Oz" paintings have gathered worldwide recognition over night! Vincent has devoted his life to the arts. He was inspired by the 'movie "The Wizard of Oz" as a young-ling, and shortly after discovered L.Frank Baum's Oz books. He fell in love with the characters and started drawing them constantly. He dreamt he would one day become an author or illustrator of Oz books. Membership at 12 in The International Wizard of Oz club helped fuel his passion for Oz! In High School Vincents passion for the Arts was recognized by all, his teachers nominated him for The Haystack Art & Craft institute (Deer Isle Me.) scholarship for that year. Also, Vincent was involved with the Bates College Gifted and Talented writing program.
After Haystack Vincent explored more art at Bates College through part time art classes arranged by student outreach clubs. In his early 20s Vincent started to work for "Arts After School" as an Art Instructor. Vincent still keeps in contact with some of his students. He has helped many kids get on their feet and into solid careers.
Later on Vincent decided to open an Art School of his own -The non profit Myrand Art Institution, which was opened on Forest avenue Portland Me. in the 90s, during this era Vincent started freelance illustration, fine art shows and research. In 1997 Vincent traveled to Italy on a artistic tour of Rome, Venice & Pompeii amongst other notable cities. Vincent already had a vast knowledge of Italian art and history. (he was invited to go as a group guide,)
Vincent also been involved with the local music scene as a front-man in bands. plus painting many an album sleeve for countless bands. Theater is another passion of Vincents, local theaters have had him paint for many productions, notable plays Vincent worked on as scenic artist were-' Beauty and The Beast' Phantom of the Opera' and countless others. Also starting 2010, Vincent started working for a local Halloween Attraction painting Castle sets props Dungeons and related imagery .He also acted as Dr.Frankenstein for several skits. Vincent helped establish local gallery 'Captive Elements' and taught classes there.
He is a voracious reader of Art History psychology ,Mythology and Film History. (It all started with Oz!!!) Vincent was also delighted to discover a famous Artist in his family tree. Charles Howard Hodges was an 18th century English portraitist to the Netherlands. he was celebrated throughout Europe. He was Vincents Great x4th grandfather on his mums side. A big delight considering Vincent had admired Hodges work long before the connection was made!
Coming full circle Vincent has since returned to the land that started it all ' OZ'! "I wouldn't be an artist if it wasn't for Oz." Vincent quotes. Vincent wants to use his art and love of Oz to help ease the suffering of children globally. He has many plans and fundraisers in the works .Vincent is also endeavoring to immortalize MGM's entire Wizard of Oz ,( oil on canvas ) Vincent lives in Maine with his loving family and loyal dog Zorro.
Attending this years Oz-Stravaganza is a dream come true for Vincent, it has always been in his heart to return to Oz were the adventure began...