Mike's front yard of a house decorated with colorful cutouts of various cartoon animals, a sign welcoming to "A to Zoo," and a character sitting on the porch. Trees and plants surround the area.

Spreading Joy Through Art,

Education, and Imagination

Cartoon axolotl with pink skin and burgundy gill fronds on a purple background.

From viral sidewalk zoos to immersive cartoon worlds, Mike Bennett Studios creates educational art experiences that inspire learning, curiosity and community.

  • A, B, Sea
  • Wonderwood Springs
  • Portland Aquarium
  • Dinolandia
  • Bennett Acres
  • Crypto-Zoo
  • A to Zoo
  • Illustration reading "Mike Bennett's Snow Day!" with snow-themed design and blue background.
  • "Wonderwood Mini-Golf" sign with wooden planks, crossed golf clubs, chains, and a red flag."
Mike Bennett Snail
Sloth by Mike Bennett
Mike Bennett Lion
Mike in paint-splattered overalls and a cap sitting in front of a colorful cartoon mural.

Immersive Space Designer

Education through Art

With a background in early childhood education, Mike believes in the power of play. His installations turn sidewalks and empty buildings into educational experiences where curiosity leads the way.

Simple orange paintbrush icon on a white background.

Illustrator & Cartoonist

Public Joy Creation

Mike’s signature style blends nostalgic cartoons with educational storytelling. From Dinosaurs to viral yard signs that took over Portland, Oregon, his characters invite audiences of all ages to smile, engage, and explore.

Blue paint splatter on white background

As Seen IN

"OPB" logo featuring black letters on a white background
Portland Monthly logo text in black
KATU 2 ABC logo, black and white.
The Oregonian newspaper logo in Gothic font.
BBC logo
NPR logo in white on a black background.
Atlas Obscura logo
Comedy Central logo
Ripley's Believe it or Not! logo

FOLLOW

Meet the Artist Behind the Cutouts

Discover how a preschool teacher turned a garage full of house paint and reclaimed wood into a viral movement for public joy.