Each year, people flock to 30A.com to vote for the 30A Hot Spots. Over 4,200 people voted in 28 categories to determine the hottest spots in South Walton for 2016. Each category has five winners, and Andy was voted as one of the Hottest Artists! I've known my man was hot since 1993, but now he's officially a 30A Hot Spot Award Winner! He shares the title with four other local artists:

1. Justin Gaffrey
2. Allison Wickey
3. Bryan Hand
4. Andy Saczynski
5. Mary Hong

Thank you to everyone who voted for Andy! See all of the 30A Hot Spot Award Winners for 2016!

Destin is located on a peninsula separating the Gulf of Mexico from Choctawhatchee Bay. At the western tip of the peninsula is East Pass (also known as Destin Pass), separating it from Okaloosa Island to the west. East Pass is the only outlet of Choctawhatchee Bay into the Gulf of Mexico. Because of this, it's a popular spot for boating and other water recreation. The Destin Harbor, the Destin Pass, Norriego Point, and Crab Island are sentimental to locals and tourists alike. Indeed, it's one of Florida's most beautiful destinations. Although only accessible by boat, Crab Island is one of my favorite swimming spots during high tide when the water is perfectly clear turquoise. I also like taking our kids to Norriego Point to swim. In my opinion, Norriego Point is the best place to watch the sunset and to watch fireworks! If you've never been to Destin, here are a few photos so you can get the idea...

Emerald Grande and HarborWalk Village

Norriego Point

Norriego Point

Norriego Point

As mentioned, this area is sentimental to so many people. That's why our friend Katie commissioned this piece:

If you'd like Andy to paint a special place for you, call him at (850) 502-0072 to discuss.

In early February, Andy and Ryan Manthey of Pure 7 Studios released their first artist and photographer collaboration of painted photography. The response was fantastic, with hundreds of likes, comments, and shares on both Facebook and Instagram. Although well-loved, their first two examples of painted photography had a limited customer base - being only the Manthey family and the bride and groom. In an effort to appeal to the masses, Andy and Ryan decided to highlight some of the scenes that have made 30A famous. First on their list? Western Lake, Seaside's Coleman pavilion, and the beach. But first, for those who don't know...

Painted photography is certainly not a new artistic medium. What is painted photography? It's similar to hand-coloring, which refers to any method of manually adding color to a black-and-white photograph, generally either to heighten the realism of the photograph or for artistic purposes. It's also known as hand painting or overpainting. This process was most popular in the mid- to late-19th century before the invention of color photography. Artists would apply watercolors, oils, crayons, pastels, and other paints or dyes to the image surface using brushes, fingers, cotton swabs, or airbrushes. While overpainting is not a new artistic expression, our recent "artist and photographer collaboration" is a relatively new concept... or at least it seems that way from my limited online research.

The concept is simple:

1. Ryan takes an awesome photo.
2. He has the photo printed on a canvas.
3. He gives the canvas to Andy.
4. Andy adds paint to turn the photo into an original piece of art.

Some ideas include but aren't limited to:

• sentimental places
• vacations
• wedding
• anniversary
• pregnancy
• new baby
• families
• high school senior portraits
• pets
• family homes
• musicians/concerts

Andy plans to have painted photography pieces (such as those featured below) available at his Grayton Beach gallery. But let's say you want a photo of your family. Well, I have great news for you! Pure 7 Studios is offering special discounted portrait pricing for this collaboration! Call (850) 654-6523 and tell Ryan or Erica that you want a piece of painted photography. They'll take good care of you!

Here are the first three painted photography scenes of 30A (Western Lake, Seaside's Coleman pavilion, and the beach):

Ryan's original photo

Andy's painted photography 

Ryan's original photo

Andy's painted photography

Ryan's original photo

Andy's painted photography

Thanks to the Walton Skate Society, the first South Walton skatepark will soon be a reality! This is a dream come true for people like Andy, who has been skateboarding since he was a kid.

South Walton Skatepark History A few years ago, a group of like-minded people from the Surfrider Foundation’s Emerald Coast Chapter decided to advocate for a public skatepark in South Walton. The group is called the Walton Skate Society, and anyone in the community can be a part of the mission.

South Walton Skatepark Location

The Walton Skate Society currently has a commitment from the Walton County Board of County Commissioners to provide approximately 20,000 square feet of space at Helen McCall Park (325 Moll Dr, Santa Rosa Beach). The master plan originally called for a skatepark. However, this was put on the back-burner while other mainstream sports facilities were built. Due to the efforts of the Walton Skate Society, it is now back on track. Helen McCall Park offers parking, clean restrooms, a playground, and various sports fields. A skatepark is a perfect addition to the facility.

South Walton Skatepark Cost

This isn’t going to be cheap. The Walton Skate Society knows that getting the right builder to produce a quality skatepark is going to cost money. Early research shows they will need close to $300,000. They will raise that money through fundraising events, sponsorship programs, grants, etc.

Sk8 Deck'O Fundraiser

Surfrider Foundation's Emerald Coast Chapter hosted Sk8 Deck'O at Trebeaché on the evening of February 20th. The event featured a skateboard art auction, live music by The Owsley Brothers, and special “skate inspired” grinders by chef Jim Richard. Andy created one of the fifteen pieces of skateboard art included in the live auction. His piece was made of three skateboards, which he arranged into the shape of a pelican, and then painted. "Templeton" is 64x35 inches. His wings and head are made from skateboard decks. His eye is one of Andy's old skateboard wheels. His legs and feet are made from Independent trucks and Spitfire wheels.

Andy's pelican art

Sk8 Deck'O was a huge success! About 225 people attended, and they raised over $20,000! Here are a few photos from the event...

Andy chatting with Justin Gaffrey

Andy with Fran Adaro

Fran Adaro's skateboard art 

Stefan Daiberl's skateboard art

The Owsley Brothers 

How You Can Help

Your help is still needed! Please consider doing the following:

1. Spread the word by sharing this blog post with your local family and friends.
2. Join the Walton Skate Society's Facebook group. Invite your local family and friends to do the same. It's the best way to stay in the loop! (You can also like their Facebook page and follow them on Instagram.)
3. Are you a business owner? Perhaps you could make a generous donation!
4. Contact the Walton Skate Society at info@WaltonSK8s.com or (850) 225-1747, and ask them how to get involved (pass out flyers, put a sticker on your car, etc).

Painted photography is certainly not a new artistic medium. What is painted photography? It's similar to hand-coloring, which refers to any method of manually adding color to a black-and-white photograph, generally either to heighten the realism of the photograph or for artistic purposes. It's also known as hand painting or overpainting. This process was most popular in the mid- to late-19th century before the invention of color photography. Artists would apply watercolors, oils, crayons, pastels, and other paints or dyes to the image surface using brushes, fingers, cotton swabs, or airbrushes. While overpainting is not a new artistic expression, our recent "artist and photographer collaboration" is a relatively new concept... or at least it seems that way from my limited online research. Andy and I have been friends with Ryan and Erica Manthey of Pure 7 Studios for several years (we actually went to high school with Erica). Last fall, Ryan approached Andy about an idea he had for Andy to hand-paint some of his canvas photography. What's funny is that Andy had been thinking about doing the same thing, but hadn't approached a photographer yet. We like the Mantheys and respect Ryan's work, so we felt it was a perfect fit.

The concept is simple:

1. Ryan takes an awesome photo.
2. He has the photo printed on a canvas.
3. He gives the canvas to Andy.
4. Andy adds paint to turn the photo into an original piece of art.

Ryan and Andy started with two photos: one of the Manthey family and one of a wedding party. These would serve as examples to display in Ryan's photography studio, as well as a personalized gift for Erica! These are the first two products of Ryan and Andy's painted photography collaboration, but there are more to come! In addition to families and weddings, some other ideas include but aren't limited to:

• high school senior portraits
• new baby
• pregnancy
• wedding anniversary
• vacations
• sentimental places
• family homes
• musicians/concerts
• pets

To discuss adding a piece of painted photography to your personal collection, call Pure 7 Studios at (850) 654-6523. Be sure to mention this blog post!

original photo of Manthey family

Andy's painted photography

Andy's painted photography

original wedding photo

Andy's painted photography

Andy's painted photography

Since 2011, Andy’s mixed media guitar art pieces have been some of his most recognizable and unique work. It’s been awhile since he’s created any assemblage guitar art, but he started off 2016 with an awesome one. I absolutely love how it turned out. This piece, entitled Songbirds, was inspired by the 30A Songwriters Festival. With having 165+ songwriters performing all over South Walton for three days, it’s no surprise that music found its way into Andy’s artwork.

Of course, this piece doesn’t feature an actual guitar, but rather the shape of one that Andy carved out of wood. He then added wire to give it an authentic feel. The background for the piece is a cabinet door that was salvaged from one of Seagrove‘s original homes before it was demolished.

Songbirds is 26 inches wide and 69 inches tall. It hangs on a wall, yet is dimensional. It’s created with multiple layers of wood, including a “double frame” (as seen in up-close, detailed images below). Songbirds can be purchased for $2600. Call Andy at (850) 502-0072 to discuss, or stop by his gallery.

Thanks to the Walton Skate Society, we will soon experience the first Walton County skatepark! This is a dream come true for people like Andy, who has been skateboarding since he was a kid. Walton County Skatepark History A few years ago, a group of like-minded people from the Surfrider Foundation’s Emerald Coast Chapter decided to advocate for a public skatepark in South Walton. The group is called the Walton Skate Society, and anyone in the community can be a part of the mission.

Walton County Skatepark Location

The Walton Skate Society currently has a commitment from the Walton County Board of County Commissioners to provide approximately 20,000 square feet of space at Helen McCall Park (325 Moll Dr, Santa Rosa Beach). The master plan originally called for a skatepark. However, this was put on the back-burner while other mainstream sports facilities were built. Due to the efforts of the Walton Skate Society, it is now back on track and will soon become a reality. Helen McCall Park offers parking, clean restrooms, a playground, and various sports fields. A skatepark is a perfect addition to the facility.

Walton County Skatepark Cost

This isn’t going to be cheap. The Walton Skate Society knows that getting the right builder to produce a quality skatepark is going to cost money. Early research shows they will need close to $300,000. They will raise that money through fundraising events, sponsorship programs, grants, etc.

Sk8 Deck'O Fundraiser

Surfrider Foundation's Emerald Coast Chapter is pleased to present Sk8 Deck'O! This event will take place on February 20th from 5:00-8:00 PM. Walton Skate Society invites you to take part and enjoy a night of skateboard art, live music, and tasty food. Local art legends (including Andy), area VIPs, and guest artists from around the country are creating works of art out of blank skate decks. These decks will be part of an exhibition and silent auction at Trebeaché (2052 W County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach). Like the finest of gallery events, there will be food, drink, and music. Talented chef Jim Richard will prepare special “skate inspired” grinders. Setting the mood for their kickoff fundraiser will be local sound legends, The Owsley Brothers. Tickets are $30 general admission or $15 for students:

How You Can Help

You can help in some or all of the following ways:

1. Spread the word by sharing this blog post with your local family and friends.
2. Attend the fundraising event on February 20th, and bid on some of the auction items (such as Andy's original skateboard art, seen below).
3. Are you a business owner? Consider making a generous donation!
4. Join the Walton Skate Society's Facebook group. Invite your local family and friends to do the same. It's the best way to stay in the loop! (You can also like their Facebook page and follow them on Instagram.)
5. Contact the Walton Skate Society at info@WaltonSK8s.com or (850) 225-1747, and ask them how to get involved (pass out flyers, put a sticker on your car, etc).

The Walton Skate Society asked Andy to create a piece of art for Sk8 Deck'O, which would be sold via auction at the February 20th event to help fund the new skatepark. Andy cut three skateboards, arranged them into the shape of a pelican, and painted this piece:

"Templeton" is 64x35 inches. His wings and head are made from skateboard decks. His eye is one of Andy's old skateboard wheels. His legs and feet are made from Independent trucks and Spitfire wheels.

I especially like the signature plate on this piece, which Andy tore out of a Thrasher magazine from 1989.

So, why the name Templeton? When Andy was growing up, Ed Templeton was one of his favorite skaters. Now, as an adult, Ed is one of Andy's favorite artists. Ed frequently posts pelican photos from the Huntington Beach pier, which he posts on his Instagram account. I guess you could say this piece is a tribute to both skateboarding and art. And YOU can bid on it at Sk8 Deck'O!

If you're a local resident or fan of 30A, you probably know that the 30A Songwriters Festival 2016 is this coming weekend! Between January 15th-17th, over 165 artists will perform at more than 20 venues along Scenic 30A in South Walton. Andy isn't involved in this year's festival, but you may see his previous festival artwork at various venues. He painted stage backdrops in 2011, 2012, and 2013 (see below). Actually, he painted the 2013 backdrop while Suzanne Vega and Mary Chapin Carpenter performed, which was super cool. If you attend the 30A Songwriters Festival this weekend and see one of Andy's three backdrops, or his t-shirt (at the bottom of this post), do us a favor and post it on Facebook and/or Instagram. Be sure to tag Andy so we can see it!

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