Michael Patrick Shields

Dry Ridge-based caricature artist Michael “Two Handed Mikey” Shields died on January 5, 2024 after a long illness. He was 66.

Michael was born in Cincinnati, OH on March 25, 1957 to Evelyn Carpinello Shields and the late Edward Shields.  He was married in 1992 to his loving wife Stacie Clark Shields.  He was a world-renowned caricature artist. He was named "World's Funniest Caricaturist" artist for seven straight years by his peers and is the world’s sole known ambidextrous caricaturist – having the ability to draw faces with both hands simultaneously, the basis for his “Two Handed Mikey” slogan. He was a staple of regional fairs, festivals and parties for more than four decades.

Mr. Shields also dabbled in other art forms. He is the creator of the board game “Cargo” and recorded two albums of humorous original songs with titles like “You Can’t Get Up My Driveway" and “Moose Poop.”

For the past 20 years, Mr. Shields lived on a 200-acre farm in Dry Ridge, which he shared with three of his brothers and their wives, significant others and children. The “Shields Compound” has been host to numerous parties and music festivals over the years, where guests were always treated to a “Mike Set” featuring original tunes and classic rock covers.

Mr. Shields will be remembered for his devotion to his wife, Stacie, and his beloved dogs. He was an extensive traveler whose openness and accepting nature left a trail of friends across the country and throughout the world. He was a man of yard sale finds, homemade pizzas, golf cart rides, camp fires, kindness and amazing – and, frankly, irritating – luck at all manner of games. His laugh and infectious humor, joy of life and amazing optimism will always be cherished. And missed.

Mr. Shields is survived by Stacie, his wife of 31 years, his mother, Evelyn, two sisters Jan (Bob) Mullikin, Nancy Gastenveld, four brothers, Edward "Duke" (Clotella) Shields, Jr; Robert (Judy) Shields, Daniel "Red" (Pam) Shields, Joseph (Jill) Shields and sister in law Mary Shields. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward, one brother John "Buzz" Shields and brother in law Daniel Gastenveld.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Pee Wee's Place, 2325 Anderson Road, Crescent Springs, KY  41017 on Friday, January 19, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Memorials are suggested to:  UK Markey Cancer Center, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY  40536 or Hope Lodge, 1500 College Way, Lexington, KY  40502.