Michael J. Monaco (1963–2021) was an American artist who grew up in Montville, New Jersey. A talented and athletic teenager, he excelled in football and tennis before a car accident at the age of 16 left him quadriplegic.

Determined to live a full and meaningful life, Michael went on to become a successful mouth stick artist. His work was just one part of a life marked by energy and generosity — he travelled, studied, spoke at schools, and contributed to community and advocacy efforts, particularly around spinal cord care and awareness.