PIE 2025 Special Guest: John Peña

PIE is thrilled to announce that John Peña will be a Special Guest for PIE 2025! John Peña is a multidisciplinary artist who explores the natural world and his daily interactions through comics, sculpture, video, and public art. His work is vast, heartfelt, and deeply engaged with storytelling.

Some of John’s projects include sending a letter to the Pacific Ocean everyday for twelve years, a daily drawing about his life (Daily Geologies) and life-sized plaster word balloons precariously balanced on two-by-fours.

He collaborated with senior citizens in Pittsburgh’s Larimer neighborhood (Larimer Stories) which led to the Mister Tony project where John documented his friendship with the vibrant Mister Tony. We had the privilege of meeting Anthony Mainiero himself (104 years old at the time!) at the Pittsburgh Zine Fair in 2024.

John has supported PIE from the very beginning, back when he would sketch alongside us at The Pittsburgh Drawing Board. He’s always curious about what others are creating and why, an encouraging educator and mentor, and always willing to discuss both the challenges and joys of a life in comics. We’re incredibly grateful for John’s guidance in planning PIE and honored to have him join us as a special guest!