Mike started visiting schools after one of his neighbors, who had modeled for a book cover, took the book to school and showed his teacher. The teacher at first did not believe that he was on the cover of such a renowned author's book. She asked how he was picked to be on the cover and he replied that he lives next door to the artist. The teacher asked if the artist would be interested in coming to visit their school and talk about his work as an artist. That was in 1990 and Mike has been traveling all around the United States visiting schools ever since. He has visited small country schools in the Appalachians to the large inner city schools of major metropolitan areas. From elementary schools to major universities, his workshops have been a rewarding and a deeply personal experience for the artist and the audience.

"Mike drawing for the students of Collins Intermediate in The Woodlands, TX."

    "I think I get more from the visits than the students do. I feel like I have found new friends every time I speak. They begin by welcoming me as Mr. Wimmer and say goodbye to me as Mike. Their questions and letters tell me that I have given them something that will stay with them for a very long time. I've been visiting schools long enough now that I am invited to speak to some of them again. When a new group of children comes along it never fails that a child will talk about their big brother's or sister's response to my visit years earlier."

   Teachers constantly praise Mike for his ability to connect on the children's level. "He brings so much enthusiasm and sincere friendliness to his visits that it's almost like having family come for a short stay," claims one librarian from the Houston area.

"Mike with Bartlesville public schools art teachers after a professional workshop."

   Mike's school programs are appropriate for all ages from kindergarten through the university level. Each is directed to the appropriate age level for time and content. He schedules one school per day and gives two one-hour presentations for third through sixth grades, and two half-hour presentations for kindergarten through second grade. Another option is three one-hour presentations for third through sixth grades, if the school would prefer that he only speak to the older kids. For the schools that want to share Mike's time and his expenses, he can break up the visits into: three different schools for a one-hour presentation each; or two schools for a one and a half-hour presentation each, with each school sharing the daily expenses equally. When Mike talks to middle school and high school students, he wishes to speak only to those students who are truly interested or who would be greatly influenced by his presentation, such as the writing or art students, and those that may seem like problem students but show a knack or interest in drawing or art. These presentations last for approximately one and a half hours and are more in depth about illustration as a career.  

 Mike's Calendar

Mike is available for school visits and book signings and enjoys reader's comments and questions. His fees for the 2006-2008 school year are: $1,500.00 per day for local schools, and $1,800.00 per day (all expenses included) for those visits that require Mike to spend the night. Please feel free to contact Mike by phone or via this web page. Payment for school visits are expected at time of presentation.

Things that I will need

1. Slide Projector (with remote if possible) .
2. Sturdy Easel or 6 ft. Table.
3. Dark room for presentation (room needs to be as dark as possible, slides show up much better).
4. Microphone for groups of more than 40 (wireless if possible).

 Mike's Calendar