Michael Firkaly was born and raised in the Ohio River town of Ambridge, Pennsylvania. He earned his B.S. in Art Education from Youngstown State University in 1972, during which time sculpture grew to be his favorite art form. His early sculptures were constructions of welded steel, paper mache or wood. During the 70's and 80's, Michael exhibited in many group shows in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. His steel and paper mache representative and abstract works won many prizes including two "Best in Shows" and many "Best in Sculpture". In the late 80's, Michael began carving both wood and stone, which he continues to this day, along with his welded steel sculptures. His latest large steel sculpture was a life-size representation of Don Quixote astride his horse, Rosenante.