MARTYKELLEY.COM
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The Cure For Boring Ancestors™.

​Imaginary Ancestors is the cure for boring ancestors. My fun, new project lets you bring a brand-new, completely fictional family member into your life. All of these people did amazing things that will make you proud, but you won't find out the whole secret until you adopt them as yours.

Add some fascinating roots to your family tree. 

This is an interactive art and storytelling project that you get to participate in. When you adopt an Imaginary Ancestor, you'll receive a ​4" x 6" hand-drawn piece of art created with carbon pencil and chalk on acid-free, recycled, artist-grade paper. You will also receive a short story that I created about your new Imaginary Ancestor.
They all did something amazing, but you won't find out what it was until you adopt them.
Then it's up to you to share their story. Retell it. Change it. Add to it. History changes with each retelling and this is a fun way for you to be a part of that process.

Display them and share their stories!

Each piece of art is a one-of-a-kind original creation. They are sold first come/first served. Each Instant Ancestor is available for $75 (includes shipping within U.S.).

To adopt a new ancestor, send me an email ([email protected]) with the name of the ancestor you'd like to adopt. I'll send you payment directions. ​I accept Paypal, Venmo, checks, cash, and am definitely willing to barter if you have something really awesome to trade.


This isn't set up like a "regular" online store. Accepting PayPal on my website would double the monthly cost of hosting my website. This method keeps costs low for both of us and works just as well. I'm not working with any fulfillment services. This is just me in my studio, making art and sharing the creative process with you.

Click Here to Email me And adopt your new ancestor!

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Edwin R. Thomas

His promising career as a teacher was ended by a dream. He had the courage to follow his dream, but things got weird.
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Escobar Pabloma

ADOPTED

Escobar's fortunes underwent a dizzying change when he was young and his exquisite taste still has influence today.
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Claude N. Eustace 

This meek, mild-mannered young man's desire to be noticed was fulfilled. Much to his dismay.
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Hugo O'Rourke

Hugo's difficult upbringing in Boston's South End set the stage for a spectacular career as he grew up.
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Edward Moulaine

Edward's unique mechanical abilities lead to a world-changing photographic innovation during the Civil War. 
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Eloise Lamontaigne

Her parents' refusal to let her join the theater spurred her to a fame that nobody could have predicted.
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Maria Sanchez

ADOPTED

When the family's new business venture began to fail, Maria saved it with an idea that is still popular today.
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Winnifred E. Douglass

Her parents were locally famous moonshine runners. When they ran afoul of the law, Winnifred got famous.
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Jasmine Rockwell

Jasmine had a tough life in rural Virginia immediately after the Civil War. Things got better when she discovered a hidden skill.
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Esther Whittaker

Esther's all-consuming passion for cats lead to her being credited with a surprising accomplishment.
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Prudence Goodman

Prudence grew up in a deeply religious household. She was able to take that fervor to the next level. And beyond.
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Enoch Palumbo

Enoch's family store was transformed by his ideas. The Great Depression ended the store, but began a new empire.
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Maribella Giaconne

ADOPTED

Maribella's flair for combining unusual flavors spelled disaster for her family and is still controversial today.
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David "Tommy" Thomason

ADOPTED

Tommy's early days as a petty criminal ended when he discovered a new skill.
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Thomas Hutchinson

"The Captain" to his friends, Thomas Huchinson's love for a sailor suit served him very, very well.
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Haru "Harry" Takashi

Haru's eventual insights into his heritage lead to a phenomenon that still shapes the way we live today.
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David R. Robbins

Growing up poor, David learned not to waste food. That lesson became a cultural icon in America.
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Mayfair Bassington

ADOPTED

Everyone agreed that Mayfair was a beautiful baby. A freak musical instrument injury changed her life.
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Germaine Phipps

Germaine's unlikely friendship with a kind older man set her life on a course for fame. Tragedy brought her a fortune.
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​Asa ​Van de Berg

​Despite a rather tragic early life, Asa's positive attitude set him on a course for fame and fortune. 
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Effraim J. Wellington

Effraim's fame lead to his near downfall, which lead to his invention of something truly world-changing.
  • Home
  • Author Visits
    • About My Visits
    • Artist in Residence Programs
    • Check My Schedule
    • The BEST Author Visit Ever
    • Cool Schools!
  • Books
    • About My Books
    • The Bookstore
  • Art
    • Color illustration
    • Black and white
    • Portraits
  • Sculpture
  • Contact me
  • Freebies and Fun Stuff
    • Free Activities!
    • Downloadable Art
    • All about me
    • Imaginary Ancestors
    • Top Secret Book Project
    • My Blog!
    • Music
  • New Adult Blog
  • T-Shirts & Whatnot
    • Stuff to Wear
    • Other Stuff