Michael Roche

Sculptor

Oz fans know that Michael Roche sculpted the Wizard of Oz series for Dave Grossman Creations in 1989, the 50th anniversary of the MGM classic “The Wizard of OZ.” The eleven piece series met with immediate success and each has become a prized collectible for art collectors as well as Oz collectors. The series brought Michael to Munchkinland Market Days at the former Yellow Brick Road Gift Shop where he was a popular celebrity guest for every festival since the first in 1994 (except 2006). He also participated in the Wizard of Oz Festival each year. His Wicked Witch of the West figure was nominated for Figurine of the Year in 1990 by New York based Collector Editions Magazine.

In 2005, The Yellow Brick Road Gift Shop commissioned Michael to create “The Munchkin Townslady,” an exact replica of actress Margaret Pellegrini as she appears in “The Wizard of Oz.” It was a strict limited edition to honor Margaret and the world debut of it was at Munchkinland Market Days with Margaret and other celebrities in attendance.

In 2009, Roche was commissioned by www.YellowBrickRoadonline.com to create “The Munchkin Trumpeter” depicting Karl Slover as he appeared in “The Wizard of Oz.” This figurine honors Karl and marks the 70th anniversary of the premiere of “The Wizard of Oz.”

Roche has worked as a commercial sculptor for over 25 years, creating pieces of art for Warner brothers, MGM, Enesco, Dave Grossman Creations, Roman Museum Collections, Inc., Pillsbury and Wick “n” Sticks.

Many of his initial sculptures were firefighters in action including an 1890’s “Steam Pumper/Fire Engine” in bronze. He has received acclaim for his fire pieces including “Courage Under Fire,” “Taking Command,” and “Facing the Enemy.” Michael is also creator of the famed 1986 “Our American Herritage” series of figures commissioned by Musuem Collections, Inc.

You can visit the many sculptures Michael has created at www.rochesculpture.com.

Biography by Allen Pease

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