The Artist

Mary Capaldi (aka “Moth Monarch”) is an independent and freelance artist. They use a variety of media to create commissioned art and original work for shows and sale.

Bio
Growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Mary was a voracious reader and quickly took to designing characters and fantasy worlds from a young age. They attended Penn State University (2008-2012) and earned a degree in English, tapping into their love of video games to write an undergraduate thesis, “The Role of Religious Traditions in the World of Pokémon.”  After college, they launched a career as an artist and have been involved in a broad variety of creative endeavors.

Their keen interest in insects, particularly lepidoptera, inspires many of their original pieces and merchandise designs. Animal characters also delight them and frequently appear in commissions from private clients and in personal work. They love traveling to conventions and shows and working alongside events to create fun and memorable experiences for attendees.

Mary has worked with hundreds of private clients as well as organizations such as Anthrocon Inc., Anthropomorphic Events of Ontario, Purdue University, and Penn State University.

Contact
Email Mary at ofpenandsword@gmail.com if you’re interested in commissioning private or commercial artwork, engaging in a collaboration, or offering other opportunities.

Selected Honors
Guest of Honor at Furnal Equinox 2019
Anthrocon Artist Medal of Recognition, 2018
Midwest Furfest 2017 Director’s Choice for “Flower Crown I,” ink and watercolor
Midwest Furfest 2014 Staff Pick for “Snow Angel,” ink and watercolor

Articles about Mary’s work
Making a difference with science-based art [Women’s History Month], March 2017
Brandywine alumna applies her English degree to a career in the arts, November 2016
Anthrocon 2016 and the Friends Of Anthrocon project!, July 2016