Mickayla Poland, is an artist and entrepreneur rooted in Elk County. Her rural home in Weedville became her source of inspiration, like the Benezette elk herd she saw in her own back yard. An innate artist, Mickayla earned a BFA in graphic design and photography from Edinboro University. As Mickayla concluded her college years, she started her journey of sharing her signature wildlife paintings on glass windows. During this time, she observed larger cities like Pittsburgh being celebrated through collectible stickers and t-shirts, Mickayla felt a calling to create her own place-based graphic designs in the heart of the PA Wilds. With this purpose in mind, PA Made was founded, driven by her mission to showcase the unique beauty and charm of Pennsylvania and the PA Wilds through art and graphics. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Mickayla cherishes moments on the Clarion River, camping, and exploring the PA Wilds. In 2021, she earned the Champion of the Pennsylvania Wilds Great Design Award. Today, she's a Wilds Cooperative artist, Arts in Education teaching artist, and a proud member of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. Mickayla now operates her own brick-and-mortar store, The PA Made Shop located in Weedville, PA. The PA Made Shop is a unique gift shop with apparel and art crafted exclusively by local Pennsylvania artists and makers.
