By LINDA LONG/For the Reporter

Local artist Amy Collins was in for a surprise when she opened the March issue of Better Homes and Gardens.

On page 64 was a painting of three cows, Collins’ cows, staring intently right off the canvas looking as though they could moo at any minute.

The article was written to feature an elaborate kitchen makeover in the home of a Birmingham couple. It was quite by happenstance that Collins’ painting showed up in one of photographs. Now, national attention is coming her way.

“The phone hasn’t stopped ringing,” she said. “Calls are coming in from all over. I’ve already shipped to Maine, Massachusetts, Washington, California, Utah. I’ve had a lot of specific commissions and then a list of about 375 people who just want me to send them a picture of a cow as I get it done.”

Collins, who also has what she calls her “day job” as medical illustrator, said she has no explanation for the phenomenon.

“I guess they see that picture there, and think, ‘Wow, I could use a cow painting.’ I’ve painted cows a lot and I know people respond to them but nothing like this,” she said.

Builder George Williams of Precision Homecrafters has also been getting his share of the calls.

“They want to know what color the wall paint is, and what kind of marble we used. It has really attracted a lot of attention,” said Adeline Williams, who owns the construction business with George Williams.

To commemorate the national recognition for these two local talents, a reception and trunk show is scheduled Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m.0 2p.m. at Oak Mountain Emporium, 2401 Oak Mountain State Park Road, Pelham.

Collins will be showcasing and selling her artwork. George Williams will talk about his work and maybe even reveal the wall color in the Better Homes and Garden’s kitchen redo.

Collins said this is her first trunk show and she obviously plans to paintings of cows along with some of her other works.

“I’ve never done this before,” she said. “One of the larger pieces that I’ll feature is still drying. It’s been sold already. Luckily, seems that people who want cows, aren’t in a real big hurry to get them.”