Nationally syndicated cartoonist Joe Wos opens new
gallery within Mystery Lovers Bookshop in Oakmont, PA
Pittsburgh based cartoonist, Joe Wos, is branching out and onto canvas with a new gallery located within Mystery Lover’s Bookshop in Oakmont PA.
Joe is perhaps best known for his syndicated feature MazeToons, and popular series of illustrated maze books. Joe is also the Emmy-nominated star of the WQED produced “Cartoon Academy”, which is seen on PBS affiliates throughout Pennsylvania.
His books are a favorite at Mystery Lover’s which is located just a block away from Joe’s home. Frequent visits to sign copies of books led Joe to becoming a regular fixture in the bookstore. Searching for a home for his other creative endeavors Joe approached the owners, Kristy Bodnar and Tara Goldberg-DeLeo with the idea of opening a gallery space in the bookstore.
“Joe’s books are enjoyed by many of our customers, and we are excited to be able to now offer his original artwork.”- Tara Goldberg-DeLeo
The gallery features over 60 designs by Joe, printed on canvas. The whimsical designs feature popular animals, mythological creatures as well as iconic celebrities and literary figures. There are Yetis and Unicorns alongside perennial favorite pets such as cats and dogs. The vibrant art works capture Joe’s playful spirit. With some pieces, such as his iconic “Neighbor” display his love of Pittsburgh. His Monty the Squirrel series is a homage to his adopted hometown of Oakmont. Monty’s presence in the community is seen in shops throughout the town from candles to canvases.
The artwork is displayed alongside Joe’s books. Pre-orders of his upcoming A-Maze-Ing Peanuts have joined his Three Little Pigsburghers among the shop’s best sellers.
“Creating the gallery has allowed me to explore new avenues for my art and collaborate with my independent bookshop. It’s an incredible opportunity to share my work with the community I love.”
“Joe’s Gallery at Mystery Lover’s Bookshop” is open during operation hours of the bookshop Monday-Saturday at 514 Allegheny River Blvd. Oakmont, PA.
About Joe Wos:
Joe Wos has been a professional cartoonist since the age of 14. His career path over the past 30 years has taken as many twists and turns as one of his mazes, as he finds new and innovative ways to pursue his passion for the cartoon arts.
Some highlights include spending 25 years touring nationwide as a performer, illustrating stories live as he told them; founding and running a cartoon art museum in Pittsburgh; illustrating symphony performances live with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; creating the character bible for Charlie the Tuna; and exhibiting his art in museums worldwide. Joe has also been the visiting cartoonist of the Charles M. Schulz Museum for the past 19 years.
With MazeToons — a unique hybrid illustration that is part cartoon and part puzzle — Joe has fulfilled a lifelong dream to appear in the funny pages. MazeToons appears in newspapers worldwide. His work on MazeToons garnered a 2020 Divisional Reuben Award for the Variety Category as presented by the National Cartoonists Society.
Joe has been drawing mazes since the age of 7 and is regarded as a master maze maker. In 2012, he created the world’s largest hand-drawn maze. Measuring at 140 square feet, it features more than 100 illustrations. The maze garnered international attention with articles in the Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post and media coverage throughout Europe. He is also the illustrator of many maze books including: A-Maze-Ing Peanuts, Mega Maze Challenge, Our A-Maze-Ing National Parks and many more.
Joe is also the Emmy-nominated star and creator of Cartoon Academy as seen on PBS affiliates throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.
With great delight, he has heard every variation of the phrase “A-maze-ing.”
