​It is fitting that Mitch S. Billis, a sculptor whose work celebrates the wonders of childhood, knew as a child that his future lay in art. His father, Mitch Billis, a successful plein air painter, encouraged his artistic exploration from an early age.

While in Italy, Mitch discovered a passion for working with wet clay to produce his sculptures. One of these sculptures in particular, a toad fountain, was much admired by the local people and now resides in the town square of Fabbiano.