Polyvios Christoforos
Visual Artist:
Painter, Animator and Author who has Autism
Email:
Polyvios' Artists Statement
My artistic journey began with the whimsical worlds of children’s books like Dr. Seuss and the flickering frames of VHS cartoons. Those early stories and animations sparked my imagination and laid the foundation for everything I create today.
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A pivotal moment came during an art project at the North Shore Education Consortium, when I painted a spring scene with trees. That painting—still hanging in my home—awakened my passion for making beautiful images and reminds me where it all began.
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Inspired by classic animation and real-life scenes, my painting artwork bridges playful imagination and tangible observation. Over time, classes in line, shape, and texture helped me build strong foundations and transform into a disciplined, exploratory artist.
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Animation has always been my greatest love. Influences such as Ren & Stimpy, John K., Spümcø, Modern and Classic Disney classics, and the timeless teachings of Preston Blair and Walter Foster continue to shape my style. I taught myself animation starting with simple flipbooks and now bring my ideas to life with digital tools like Flash MX/ Adobe Animate.
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Today, I’ve channeled that passion into a children’s book, painted caricatures of politicians and other socially important figures, and an animated student film on which I continue to work. I’m refining my portfolio, expanding my art-making processes, and regularly attending figure drawing sessions to deepen my understanding of form and movement.
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Rooted in storytelling and a fascination with life’s whimsical but honest moments, my work balances imagination and observation. Through my art, I hope to merge the joy of animation with the beauty of traditional techniques—creating images that inspire and captivate, just as my early influences did for me.
Exhibitions / where to see my work: Current and Past
2009
2017-2024
2018 - PRESENT
2018 - PRESENT
November 2024-December 2024
March 2019
2021 - PRESENT
Winter / Spring 2025
Summer 2025
Fall 2025
As the 6th district Massachusetts Congressional art competition winner in High School - painting was installed in Cannon Tunnel in Washington DC for a year.
Worked as an artist at ArcWorks in Peabody, MA
Exhibition of paintings - Dentist's office waiting room
GALA Members Exhibit 2024 I showed 3 paintings in this group exhibit and one of them sold during the show!
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Published my book, Sammy Smart Guy
Exhibition of paintings, cards and books at Parcels and the NorthEast ARC public areas.
Etsy shop - PolyviosPaintingsEtc - Etsy
Various shows and exhibits throughout the North Shore with NorthEast ARCWorks
Salem Arts Association - Members Exhibit "Alive" - Honorable Mention Award
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Solo Show at the GALA Community Gallery
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Showed at group shows:
Salem Festival of the Arts - John Boris Award
Marblehead Festival of the Arts,
North Shore Art Association group show,
GALA
Salem Arts summer shows.​
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North Shore Arts Association Associate Member Show
Topsfield Fair Professional Division Show
Open Studios at the Lydia Pinkham Building / Paint By The Ocean Studios / Tuesday Artists' Group
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Polyvios' Artists' Biography
Polyvios Christoforos (Paul) is a native of Salem, Massachusetts and an acclaimed artist and author on the autism spectrum. He wrote and illustrated the children’s book Sammy Smart Guy, about a boy with autism who becomes a successful artist despite the challenges he faces. Though the story is fictional, it is deeply autobiographical and encourages children to follow their hearts, no matter what others say.
In 2009, Polyvios won first place in the New England Congressional Art Competition, earning his painting Dusk at the Acropolis a place on display in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. for a full year. His artwork has been exhibited across Massachusetts, including in healthcare settings such as Boston Children’s Hospital, and he has sold mugs, postcards, and t-shirts to raise money for autism foundations.
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Polyvios continues to create and exhibit work in art associations and galleries around Boston’s North Shore, including Salem Arts Association, Galleries at LynnArts (GALA), Marblehead Arts Association, and North Shore Arts Association. He has recently received awards for his fine art painting in the Salem Arts Association Spring Show 2025 and the Salem Festival of the Arts 2025.
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He works closely with his mentor, artist Annette Sykes, and paints weekly with a regular painters’ group at the Paint by the Ocean Studio, sometimes working en plein air and often in a supportive group setting. He also studies at Acorn Gallery to refine his painting technique and works with Shoe Town to continue developing his animation skills. In addition, he takes classes in methods and materials whenever they are available and supplements his learning through online study.
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Polyvios is on a mission to raise autism awareness and to keep pursuing his dream of becoming a cartoon animator, using his paintings, illustrations, and stories to inspire others to follow their own creative paths.
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