Two years ago, Andy made his first piece of lionfish art. Since then, he's created a few more. They seem to keep getting bigger and more elaborate. For example, the lionfish art featured in this post measures 50x50 inches. It's pretty fabulous when you see it in person. If there's a breeze in the room, such as one caused by a ceiling fan, its fins (tentacles? spines?) move in a way that it almost looks like it's swimming.

How much do you know about lionfish?

• They are found mostly in the Indo-Pacific.
• A typical adult measures almost 15 inches and weighs just over one pound.
• They possess venomous dorsal, pelvic, and anal spines that deliver toxin through an unpleasant puncture wound.
• Their venom can cause extreme pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, breathing difficulties, convulsions, dizziness, redness on the affected area, headache, numbness, paresthesia (pins and needles), heartburn, diarrhea, and sweating. Rarely, such stings can cause temporary paralysis of the limbs, heart failure, and even death. Fatalities are common in very young children, the elderly, those with a weak immune system, or those who are allergic to their venom. (How to avoid being stung and what to do when you are stung.)
• They prey mostly on small fish, invertebrates, and mollusks in large amounts.
• They were first reported off Florida's Atlantic Coast near Dania Beach in 1985. Today, the red lionfish is found off the East Coast of the United States and the Caribbean Sea. Apparently, they're also found in Destin. Before you panic... we've been swimming in Destin waters since the mid-1980s and have never encountered them.
• The population density of the invasive lionfish is increasing very fast, and efforts are underway in several areas to bring it under control. For example, check out the Gulf Coast Lionfish Coalition and the REEF Lionfish Derbies.
• Can you eat lionfish? Yes! Their white, buttery meat is delicious (or so I've been told - I haven't had an opportunity to taste it myself). Try these recipes or visit these restaurants.

The art featured in this post, Big Lionfish, is available for $2200. 

Koi are a group of fish that are ornamental varieties of domesticated common carp. Koi are usually kept for decorative purposes in outdoor koi ponds or water gardens. Because of their beauty, Andy has painted a small sampling of koi art.

History

Koi were originally domesticated in Eastern Asia in the early 400's as an important source of food. In fact, koi fish were staples to Eastern Asian families in early times. Today, some still eat koi fish.

Koi Fish Meaning in China

A couple thousand years ago, a legend in China was formed that told how carp (koi) that swam up a waterfall and through the dragon gate were magically transformed into dragons. Through perseverance and endurance, the carp were able to become mythical beings. Today, koi fish still symbolize perseverance and endurance.

Koi Fish Meaning in Japan

In Japan, koi are known for their masculine and positive qualities. They are the official symbol for the Children's Day (May 5th) festival in Japan. On Children's Day, families hang koi windsocks for every member they have in their household. Another quality that the Japanese symbolize with is strength for overcoming life's difficulties. By persevering in life's endeavors, one can better him or herself.

Characteristics of the Fish

The koi is a hearty fish. It thrives in cold, fresh waters. Often confused with goldfish, koi are generally a bit larger and can be identified by their characteristic "whiskers," or barbels, protruding from their lips. Also, koi typically have a similar body shape while goldfish have much more variation in body and tail shapes and sizes.

Koi Fish Symbolism

Koi fish symbolize many things:

• Power
• Independence
• Masculinity
• Passionate love
• Friendship
• Good fortune
• Success
• Prosperity
• Longevity
• Courage
• Ambition
• Perseverance

International Coastal Cleanup Day will be held in South Walton on Saturday, September 19th, from 8:00-10:00 AM. Join Visit South Walton as our community helps keep Walton County’s beaches clean and pristine! Visit South Walton will be hosting the event at the following beach accesses: Dune Allen, Ed Walline, Inlet Beach, and Miramar Beach. It's easy to get involved! There is no age limit or special skills required. Supplies and water will be provided to all volunteers. For more information on how you can support beach cleanup in South Walton, contact Stacey Infinger at (850) 267-4578.

If you're not located in South Walton, you can still help! Bring a trash bag to the beach of your choice and do your best to fill it. You'll likely be horrified by just how much trash beach goers leave behind. In fact, the Ocean Conservancy estimates that well over 144 million pounds of trash have been removed from beaches during the International Coastal Cleanup over the last 25 years. The top 10 items found were cigarettes, food wrappers, plastic beverage bottles, plastic bags, caps/lids, plastic utensils, straws, glass beverage bottles, aluminum cans, and paper bags. They've even found 117 mattresses. I mean... what the heck?! That breaks my heart. If everyone cleaned up their own trash, this mess could be avoided. For the past several years, I've made a point to always bring a bag with me to the beach. Not only do I make sure all of our trash is in the bag, but I also pick up trash I see that others have left. If we all took this little step, it would make a huge impact. Although I think everyone who lives near the coast should participate in International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 19th, there's no need to limit efforts to one day. Every beach visit should include a little housekeeping. 

Josiah + Jonah 

According to Ocean Conservancy, here are 10 things you can do for trash free seas:

1. use a trash can with lid
2. drink tap water in a reusable bottle
3. be a green boater with with Ocean Conservancy's Good Mate program
4. write your legislator asking for policies that address ocean trash
5. clean up with the International Coastal Cleanup
6. use an ashtray so cigarette butts don't reach waterways and the ocean
7. go the extra mile to sort and separate items that can be recycled
8. take along your reusable coffee mug, picnic supplies, or shopping bag
9. buy less to reduce the amount of manufactured items winding up as trash in the ocean
10. send emails to companies asking them to reduce packaging and create new ocean-friendly materials

Our family loves our area's turquoise water and the sea life that calls it home. Not only do we try to protect it, Andy also finds artistic inspiration from it. Here are some of his ocean-inspired pieces of art that are currently available...

If you're interested in purchasing any of these pieces, contact Andy.

This past spring, a couple came into Andy's gallery. They looked around for a bit, and were drawn to Andy's musically-themed pieces. The lady wanted to have Andy make a custom piece in honor of her cousin, who is a musician. As it turns out, her cousin is Jim James - the vocalist, frontman, producer, and lead songwriter for My Morning Jacket. As Andy started looking through Google images for inspiration, he got excited about this project. He wanted to make the piece in a similar style as his recent Johnny Cash piece. And you have to admit, Jim James has some pretty exciting hair! That might sound nuts, but it's details like this that make art fun to create.

Here's the final product, which is 30 inches wide and 78 inches tall:

Music is a theme throughout a lot of Andy's work. If you have a favorite musician or band, you may contact Andy about doing a custom piece for you.

Andy and I met Jason and Heather Baker when they moved to the Emerald Coast in 2006, back when we each had two kids (now there are eight kids between us!). We were instantly friends with them, and they've remained some of our favorite people in town over the past nine years. Jason was a dentist, and we used to drive all the way from Santa Rosa Beach to Crestview to see him. (That's dedication right there!) Thankfully, Jason opened Miramar Beach Dental & Orthodontics in Miramar Beach in 2011, making the drive considerably shorter. He was in a rented office space, but had plans to build his own facility.

Jason + Heather Baker with their girls

Today, Miramar Beach Dental & Orthodontics opened the doors to their brand new office, located at 77 South Shore Drive in Miramar Beach! The facility is absolutely gorgeous, and we are honored that the Bakers have showcased Andy's art throughout! Here's a photo tour of their new office. We hope that you'll consider Dr. Jason Baker for your dental and orthodontic needs. Tell him we sent you!

Bio: Dr. Baker made the choice to pursue dentistry because he viewed it as the perfect marriage between medicine and creative expression. He attended Louisiana State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree, and continued on to receive his degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center.

Via Colori is the modern day expression of a centuries-old art form. Street painting was first recorded in Italy in the 16th Century, and now street painting festivals are held throughout the world. Founded by Rick Compton in 1994, Via Colori street painting festivals are used in the United States to raise funds for not-for-profit organizations. The events now raise hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for nonprofits. Via Colori is owned, supported, and licensed by Compton.

How do Via Colori street painting festivals work? Hundreds of artists gather and create large-scale artworks on the street using chalk. Artists are sponsored by businesses or individuals. After expenses, the money raised goes to nonprofit organizations. Via Colori is founded on a spirit of cooperation, not competitiveness, as a collected expression of artists working together to support a cause. Via Colori street painting festivals have been held in Houston, Texas; Elizabethtown, Kentucky; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Glendale, Arizona; Seaside/Sandestin, Florida; and Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Via Colori was first held in Seaside in 1998, and was later moved to Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Funds raised by the festival benefited the Seaside School. Andy participated in 1998 and 1999 while still an art student at Northwest Florida State College, and again in 2006 before he began working as a professional artist. Please join us on a trip down memory lane, which includes meeting Miley Cyrus.

Andy’s first time to participate. He was sponsored by Hawkins & Arnold art gallery. (Seaside – April 1998)

Andy (age 20) working hard on his street painting. (Seaside – April 1998)

Andy’s second time to participate. He was sponsored by Hawkins & Arnold art gallery again. Here’s our daughter Taylor (age 2) posing with Andy’s painting, which wasn’t quite finished. (Seaside – April 1999)

Here’s our daughter Taylor in Seaside. The landscape has changed a lot over the years, especially with the addition of the airstream trailers. (Seaside – April 1999)

Andy’s third time to participate. He was sponsored by 30A Radio. (Seaside – October 2006)

The “paint” is actually chalk mixed with water. (Seaside – October 2006)

Via Colori was a little exciting this year. It just so happened that Miley Cyrus and her family were vacationing in Seaside. (Seaside – October 2006)

Miley and her family stopped to chat with our family. My mom had her new puppy with us, which our daughter Taylor (age 9) is holding in this photo. Miley, Tish, and Noah took turns holding the puppy. I think they wanted to keep her! (Seaside – October 2006)

Here’s our son Nathan (age 4) holding the puppy, which did not go home with the Cyrus family. Ha ha! (Seaside – October 2006)

This was back when Miley (age 13) was better known as Hannah Montana. She was nice enough to pose for a photo with our daughter Taylor. (Seaside – October 2006)

We are proud to be Destin Dolphins and have really enjoyed having our children attend Destin Elementary School since 2008. Our son Nathan attended DES a few years ago, and our sons Noah and Jonah are current students.

Andy and I are so thankful for the wonderful DES teachers who not only teach our kids, but genuinely love them, too. It makes a huge difference in our kids' lives!

To show our appreciation for Destin Elementary School and our pride in being Destin Dolphins, Andy gave the school a piece of his mixed media dolphin art yesterday afternoon. We hope that the faculty and students (including our own kids) will enjoy it for years to come.

| read article in The Destin Log |

Andy with DES principal Janet Stein and two of our boys, Noah (2nd grade) and Jonah (kindergarten) 

It's no surprise that Andy has a few pieces of peacock art in his collection, since he's drawn to the beautiful blue, gold, red, and other hues in their iridescent tails.

Did you know all peacocks are male? Females are called peahens, babies are called peachicks, and the whole group are peafowl.

There are three types of peafowl in the world: Indian, green, and Congo. Most people are familiar with the Indian peafowl, since that is the kind found in many zoos and parks. The Indian peacock has some of the brightest feathers, which is usually the subject of Andy's peacock art.

Peacocks use their bright feathers to attract a mate, while the considerably less attractive peahens use their mottled brown coloring to hide from predators in the bushes while they are incubating their eggs.

Here's something I didn't know but learned on Wikipedia... Occasionally, peafowl appear with white plumage. Although albino peafowl do exist, this is quite rare and almost all white peafowl are not, in fact, albinos: they have a genetic mutation called leucism which causes an overall reduction in pigment which, in peafowl, causes a complete lack of pigment in their plumage, but still leaves them with blue eyes; by contrast, true albino peafowl have a complete lack of melanin and therefore have white plumage, but also an albino's characteristic red or pink eyes. Leucistic peachicks are born yellow and become fully white as they mature. In case you're wondering, no, Andy hasn't painted white peafowl.

A peacock is one of the largest flying birds. Peafowl have an average lifespan of 20 years. A group of peafowl is called a party or a pride. They can be testy and do not mix well with other domestic birds.

Here are a few examples of Andy's peacock art:

So far this year, Andy has added four new pieces to his floral art collection. Maybe it's because I'm a lady, but I find it easy to love flowers. The subject works in just about any home or office, so it's really just a matter of finding flowers with the colors you like.

The first floral piece of 2015 had a graffiti style. When I first saw it, I said something like, "Wow! Flowers everywhere!" So, it was named 24/7. Flowers, flowers, and more flowers... 24/7 flowers.

Andy painted Gloomy Blooms in late March. The title has nothing to do with the art. I actually find it cheerful! But it was painted on a gloomy day, thus the name.

Honeymilk Blooms was named for the color white used on the petals. I love this piece! Each flower looks delicate, gently moving with the breeze.

Finished at the end of April, Fenton Flowers is a fresh take on a classic still life. I like that all the little details on the wall and table give it texture.

Many of Andy's friends and fans are aware that he makes assemblage art with found objects, so it's not that unusual for people to offer him old musical instruments to rip apart and turn into art. His favorite instrument to deconstruct is a guitar, but a piano is a close second. If you've looked through his portfolio, you know that it includes many pieces of art made from piano parts.

Some of you music lovers might be horrified that Andy rips apart old instruments. I can understand your feelings of wanting to protect them. I have no idea why the owners are disposing of them, but I like to think Andy saves them from landfills and gives them new life by repurposing them.

Andy most recently used an old Wurlitzer to create two mahi mahi pieces.

The first one was sold a week after it was finished, so he started working on a second one. The new mahi was just finished last week.

In addition to these two mahi mahi, Andy has several other pieces of art made from piano parts. When Andy deconstructs a piano or any other musical instrument, who knows what he'll "see" that we don't!

Somewhat recently, Andy started focusing on more abstract figure paintings. In preparation for our trip to Nashville, he created a piece of Johnny Cash art to honor the late Johnny Cash.

Andy spent some time searching the internet for photos that inspired him. He finally came across a black and white photograph of Johnny Cash sitting on a couch surrounded by instruments. Andy's painting was loosely based on it. He included several other elements as a tribute on his 61x26-inch piece of Johnny Cash art. For example...

You will notice that Johnny Cash is wearing black because, well, he's known as the Man in Black. The flames represent his song Ring of Fire.

What's with the horse? Glad you asked. You will notice in the black and white photograph that the couch has a horse design on it. Andy thought it'd be fun to bring it to life.

You may also notice the "paradise" coffee cup. Once in an interview, Johnny Cash was asked for his description of paradise. His answer? “This morning, with her, having coffee.”

I realize that some of you want to purchase this piece. I regret to inform you that this piece sold in Nashville, less than a week after it was finished. But don't be heartbroken! You can always contact Andy about having him create a similar version for you.

The 40th Anniversary Harding Art Show was held at the Harding Academy in Nashville April 30 - May 2, 2015. The show is the main fundraiser for the school’s Parents Auxiliary, which allocates the money to programs and services that directly benefit the students of Harding Academy. Thirty percent of each purchase goes directly to this fund.

This was Andy's second year to participate, and he was one of 74 artists selected by the Harding Academy for this year’s show. Once again, we were blown away at how well Harding takes care of the artists, and it remains our favorite show of the year. THIS is how an art-related fundraiser should be done, and I can't say enough nice things about the Harding Art Show and the people who make it happen. We applaud you, Harding! What an honor to be included.

Below are highlights and photos from the 40th Anniversary Harding Art Show.

Andy's booth

Melanie Blackerby (with me)

Amanda Bennett

Kathryn Trotter

Sarah Kaufman

Lauren Dunn

Emily Ozier

Laura Loving

Sally Powell

Amber Wallace

Bailey Jack

Grant Garmezy

Wendi Powell

Daniel Lai

Christina Cohn

It's finally happening... Andy's art is on Immaculate Baking products once again!

Scott Blackwell, founder of Immaculate Baking Company, was drawn to the simplicity, creativity, resilience, and resourcefulness of folk artists. He decided to celebrate them by featuring their work on his products' packaging.

If you've been following Andy's career for the past year, you know that his art is already featured on two Immaculate Baking products. In June 2014, the company released Double Chocolate Cookie Mix (featuring Queen of the Jungle) and Organic All-Purpose Flour (featuring Bon Temps Butterfly). These products are distributed nationwide, so you've likely seen them at your local grocery stores and Target. I admit, it still thrills our kids (and me!) to see their dad's artwork and face while walking down the aisle at Publix.

In October 2013, Immaculate Baking bought The City That Never Sleeps. Product development took a bit longer this time, but it's finally official! Andy's artwork, inspired by New York City, is now featured on Immaculate's Oats & Honey Place & Bake Bars. These breakfast bars will have a limited release prior to being launched nationwide. The company will be sampling them at Los Angeles area Costco stores April 27th-28th and May 7th-8th. Sadly, Andy and I won't be able to travel to California for the release, so we will have to keep waiting to try the new product. (Actually, it may be awhile before we get our hands on them, since the closest Costco to us is 2.5 hours away!) If you or someone you know will be in the Los Angeles area on any of those four dates mentioned, and you make a point to stop by Costco, tell us about it! You can post a photo on Andy's Facebook page or tag him on Instagram. I'm sure Immaculate Baking would love your feedback, too (check out their Facebook and Instagram).

Andy's piece entitled The City That Never Sleeps

Also, as a side note to those from Florida's panhandle, did you notice anything about this piece? Although this is a loose interpretation of the NYC skyline, Andy included a bit of home in it... and it made it onto the Oats & Honey packaging! Do you see the Rosemary Beach Town Hall? We love South Walton!

Rosemary Beach Town Hall

As a mixed media artist specializing in assemblage art, Andy has made several face pieces. But about a year ago, he started to expand in an area he hadn't explored since college: figure painting. More specifically, abstract figure paintings. According to Wikipedia: A figure painting is a work of fine art in any of the painting media with the primary subject being the human figure, whether clothed or nude. The human figure has been one of the constant subjects of art since the first stone age cave paintings, and has been reinterpreted in various styles throughout history. Oil paint historically has been the ideal media for depicting the figure.

In Andy's abstract figure paintings, he uses acrylic paint and his subjects are either clothed or appear to be.

Last year, he painted these two pieces:

So far this year, Andy has completed four abstract figure paintings. He seems to be enjoying the creative process of these, and I'm sure many more will be coming soon.

Andy Saczynski Art Gallery (officially known as Andy Saczynski Studio-Gallery) has finally reopened! We closed our Mystic Porte gallery at the end of December, and Andy spent a couple months working from home. Every day felt like a date, which was nice, but can't last forever! We absolutely love the new space... the blue ceiling, shiplap walls, wood floors, wraparound porch... we adore the charming cottage, and can't wait for you all to see it. It's located in Shops of Grayton:

26 Logan Lane, Unit A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

For those of you who aren't from around here, yes, we are still in Grayton Beach. However, your GPS will probably work better if you use Santa Rosa Beach, which is technically our mailing address.

From Scenic Highway 30A, head north on 283, then take a left on Logan Lane. Shops of Grayton will be on your right. We are the blue cottage on the corner. If it looks familiar, it's because it's right across the street from our old gallery.

We plan to be open Monday through Friday (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM) and also add Saturdays during the busy season. If in doubt, you're always welcome to call or text Andy at (850) 502-0072 to confirm gallery hours. We hope to see you soon!

Andy and I traveled to Southern California March 4th-11th. Shockingly, it was our first true vacation without kids since September 1999. I spent several years as a baby-making machine, which explains the ridiculously long gap between trips. I guess you could say this was like a second honeymoon, except we stayed with friends and not in a hotel, which isn't the most romantic accommodations. (Not to say we weren't appreciative, because we TOTALLY appreciate Graeme and Christen letting us crash at their place!) Although Andy spent three days at Expo West, we still had plenty of time to relax and explore. Here are details and photos from our Southern California vacation!

Wednesday, March 4th - Newport Beach and Costa Mesa

We flew from Panama City Beach to Houston, then to Phoenix, and finally landed in Orange County. We arrived early enough to watch the sunset in Newport Beach, and eat dinner at Sushi Sho in Costa Mesa. Christen and her son Gaige met us there. Of every roll at every sushi restaurant I've ever been to, the sexy mango roll at Sushi Sho wins first place. It's almost worth the plane ticket to California.

Thursday, March 5th - Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach

We spent Thursday morning by the Huntington Beach pier, which is walking distance from Graeme and Christen's home.

Andy + Graeme 

Surfing at Surf City has always been something Andy wanted to do, and he finally got to do it! We were thankful that one of Graeme's friends (a lifeguard) let him borrow a surfboard.

view from Alta Laguna Park in Laguna Beach

Andy and I grabbed lunch at Wahoo's, then drove down to Laguna Beach. Our first stop was Alta Laguna Park, where the views are incredible and photos never look as good as reality.

"secret art of Dr. Seuss" at Fingerhut Gallery in Laguna Beach

America Martin's art at JoAnne Artman Gallery in Laguna Beach

We spent most of the afternoon on foot, walking up and down Coast Highway. We thought 30A had a lot of art galleries until we explored Laguna Beach - they are everywhere! The three that stood out to us were JoAnne Artman Gallery (currently featuring America Martin's exhibit - wow!), Fingerhut Gallery (featuring the secret art of Dr. Suess - amazing!) and Artist Republic 4 Tomorrow (because of owner Torrey Cook's support of artists who are also surfers/skateboarders, which of course Andy identifies with).

view from Las Brisas in Laguna Beach

view from Las Brisas in Laguna Beach

Our friend Angela met us for dinner at Las Brisas. The food was good and the view was unbeatable. It was our most award-winning sunset of the week.

Friday, March 6th - Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and Balboa Island

Andy spent Friday at Expo West, so our friend Angela was my tour guide.

Balboa Island 

me + Angela 

We started the day with Kean Coffee, a must in Orange County, then grabbed lunch at Dory Deli in Newport Beach. Next we walked down the Balboa Pier, and drove to see The Wedge (no big waves to be seen, sadly).

Saturday, March 7th - Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Huntington Beach

Andy spent all day Saturday at Expo West, so I went sightseeing with our friend Heather.

Heather 

We drove up to Los Angeles and visited the Griffith Observatory to get a good view of the Hollywood sign. It was about as uneventful as when I saw Stonehenge in 8th grade, but at least I can say I went. We also visited Runyon Canyon Park, where we saw a lot of cute dogs and zero celebrities. Ha! Heather used to be our next-door neighbor in Santa Rosa Beach, but now lives in San Diego. It was fun spending the day with her and catching up. After a long drive back to Anaheim, Heather dropped me off at the expo with Andy.

Angela, me, + Andy 

When the expo closed for the day, we took Angela (Immaculate Baking Company's former "queen" - different from yesterday's Angela) over to Huntington Beach with us, where we enjoyed a loud, crowded, and delicious dinner at Sushi on Fire, followed by chocolate malts at Ruby's on the pier. We adore Angela, so it was great hanging out with her.

Sunday, March 8th - Anaheim and Huntington Beach

On Sunday, I joined Andy at Expo West all day.

Immaculate Baking Company at Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center

We were beat by the end, but not quite ready to say bye to Angela, so she joined us for another evening in Huntington Beach. This time, we had a quiet dinner at Wahoo's.

Monday, March 9th - Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach

We spent Monday morning by the Huntington Beach pier...

...so Andy could surf again!

In-N-Out Burger

I'm pretty sure it's illegal to visit California and NOT eat at In-N-Out, so Graeme and Christen joined us there for lunch.

Laguna Beach

Andy and I spent the afternoon in Laguna Beach again, since it's one of our favorite places in California.

Graeme and Christen joined us for dinner at Pizza Lounge in Huntington Beach. I swear, we did more than just eat on this trip!

Tuesday, March 10th - Santa Monica and Malibu

On our last day in California, we decided to head north. Andy and I drove along the coast most of the way, with the goal of seeing Santa Monica and Malibu.

Malibu Canyon Road

We turned at Pepperdine University and headed down Malibu Canyon Road. What a gorgeous drive! There are a few spots where I was sure we would fall right off the cliff, but it was worth the mild anxiety attack. Had we not been pressed for time, we would've driven all the way through the canyon.

There are some impressive homes in the hills overlooking the ocean.

Santa Monica pier

view from the Santa Monica pier

We walked along the Santa Monica pier, and I was surprised that the water was so similar in color and clarity to the water along Florida's Emerald Coast. We ate lunch outside at Blue Plate Taco, where we had the most expensive tacos of our lives. It was good, though, and the view was nice.

We headed back to Huntington Beach and spent our last night people-watching on the pier. Our friends Angela and Beth joined us for dinner at Wahoo's.

Wednesday, March 11th - Home Sweet Home

We left Graeme and Christen's home when it was still dark outside, and headed to the Orange County airport. We flew to San Francisco, Saint Louis, and finally landed in Panama City Beach just before sunset. What a fabulous trip to Southern California! We definitely shouldn't wait 15 years to do it again.

Andy and I had the opportunity to attend the Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center March 6th–8th. As you know, Andy has a good relationship with Immaculate Baking Company. (For those of you who are "new" here, his art appears on their packaging and he painted a billboard for them last summer.) When they approached him about accompanying them to Expo West, he jumped at the excuse to visit Southern California. And of course, I insisted on going with him.

According to their web site: "Natural Products Expo West continues to be the leading trade show in the natural, organic and healthy products industry, attracting over 67,000 industry professionals and 3,000 exhibits to the Anaheim Convention Center. Rated as one of the top 200 trade shows in the US by Tradeshow Week, Natural Products Expo West continues to help attendees reach their business goals... Natural Products Expo West showcases the entire value chain of healthy products from start to finish, identifying the bestsellers of today and the trends of tomorrow."

When I read the description, the part about "3,000 exhibits" didn't really sink in.  When we arrived, we realized just how insanely huge this trade show is. You could easily spend a full day walking down every aisle and still not see everything. And almost every vendor was giving away free samples: prepared food, packaged food, beauty products, cleaning products... I even got a free 10-minute massage! In retrospect, we should have brought an extra empty suitcase with us to haul our samples home. I ate enough for 10 people, but it was all natural and organic, so I guess it's okay? {insert nervous laugh}

Immaculate Baking Company's booth

Immaculate Baking Company was located in booth 3864, which was highly visible and right in the middle of everything awesome. Of course, their booth (which was really a cottage) stood out among the rest. We were proud to be with them!

Andy spent all three days at Immaculate's booth painting, posing for photos, and signing autographs. Okay, I'm kidding about the autographs, but he did have the opportunity to meet a lot of people and even saw one of our friends from Destin!

It was such a great experience. If you love natural products, I'd definitely recommend attending Expo West next year. And bring an extra suitcase! Thank you, Immaculate Baking Company, for giving us the opportunity to partner with you at this event.

Last October, we had a special guest at Andy's art gallery. Visit Florida, the state's official tourism marketing corporation, sent their Shopping Insider Ginger Harris to visit us as part of a video segment they were filming. This video highlights 30A shopping, specifically in Grayton Beach. Grayton Beach is home to several fantastic locally-owned art galleries and retail shops, so we were honored to be included.

Filming was a fun adventure, and my only regret is that it was done in our previous gallery location. (Of course, in October we didn't yet know that we would be moving across the street a few months later.) Below are a few behind-the-scenes shots from filming day.

If you recognize Ginger Harris, don't be surprised! Her work as a Miami-based fashion blogger has landed her on the Today show, as well as in the pages of Marie Claire and Self magazines.

If you've been reading this blog for the past couple years, you know that Andy has an ongoing creative relationship with Fudpucker's, which has been a locally owned and operated restaurant since inception in 1982. Father Fud a.k.a. Chester Kroeger is a dear family friend, so Andy is always excited to start new projects with him. (By the way, you can read an interview between Fudpucker's and Andy that was posted on their web site last month.)

Three years ago, Andy did a lot of work in the Fudpucker's Down Under Bar. Now, once again, Andy has a project going with the restaurant. He's spending part of this month painting the table tops for them, which you'll soon be able to see scattered throughout the Destin restaurant. While the Down Under Bar primarily features alligators and fish, the newly painted table tops feature a variety of wildlife and even some surfers!

On your next visit to Fudpucker's in Destin, ask to sit at one of "Andy's tables," then show the love by posting photos on Instagram (tag @AndySaczynski and @Fudpuckers so we can see them). While there, why not try their alligator gumbo or fried alligator? You can't get it anywhere else in town! If you're not quite that adventurous, I'd recommend the Fudburger, my personal favorite. If you have kids with you, be sure to visit Gator Beach (it's free!). Our little boys are fascinated with the gators, especially the albino one, although we haven't convinced them to hold a gator yet (and yes, that's really an option)...

World of Beer Destin will open on January 19th at Destin Commons. When you go, you'll surely notice an 8x4-ft piece of art hanging on the wall. Andy was commissioned by the Grayton Beer Company to paint Western Lake, then add their logo and slogan.

And can we talk about how perfect their slogan is? Slow down, you're here. What better words to sum up how one feels as they catch a glimpse of Western Lake while driving down 30A? I love how this piece turned out, and I'm proud that it'll be displayed in the new World of Beer. We think it's pretty awesome that the Grayton Beer Company selected a Grayton Beach artist to represent them. Their company loves this local community as much as we do, so it was great partnering with them on this project.