Artist Statement

My passion is in giving voice to the funny, sad, messy, and wondrous stories of life, especially the stories of children and young adults. My mission: Everything I create will have elements of humor, heart, and grit.

Artist Bio

Mary Amato is the author of over 16 books for children and young adults. Her work for adults also includes poems, plays, essays, and short fiction. Amato's fiction has been translated into foreign languages, optioned for television, and produced onstage. She teaches workshops in creative writing, songwriting, music, and the creative process around the country and is a frequent presenter in Maryland schools. She is founder of the HIVE and Silver Spring Town Center Arts Salon, both of which provide opportunities for artists of different disciplines to share energy.