By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – A new artist named Blossom impressed an audience at the Shelby County Arts Council on Jan. 15 as she painted a canvas using only one tool: Her snout.

Blossom is Northport couple Scott and Jackie McQueen’s 9-month-old pet pig that paints on cue. She performed for guests at the opening artist reception for the SCAC’s Fine Folk Art III exhibit.

“We kind of laugh and say she’s a true ‘Pigcasso,'” Scott McQueen said. “Her work is abstract. What do you expect?”

After Jackie squeezes dots of acrylic paint onto a blank canvas, holds it in front of Blossom and says “paint,” Blossom presses her snout against the dots, and in quick, short motions, swipes the paint in different directions across the surface of the canvas.

“She has a pretty neat swiping motion similar to a brush stroke,” Jackie said, who gained the inspiration to train Blossom to paint from a dream. “I started out with a blank canvas, and I would touch it to her nose and say ‘paint.’ Before long, she would touch the canvas before I could even say ‘paint.'”

Born on April Fools Day, Blossom is a mini pig the McQueens bought from a breeder in Opp.

Jackie said she had wanted a pig for a long time, and finally convinced Scott to let her have one.

“He fell in love with her pretty quickly,” Jackie said.

In addition to painting, Blossom’s tricks include “sit,” “go ’round and ’round” and “go walk about.”

“It took awhile to get her tame enough to teach her,” Jackie said, adding, “She caught on very quickly, faster than any of our dogs did.”

It’s not immediately evident that Blossom is new to the art world and to public appearances. Donning a bright pink tutu and flower headband, she looks as comfortable on the SCAC stage as anyone else.

“She is rockin’ it,” SCAC Executive Director Bruce Andrews said. “She’s fast, too. Well dressed, confident … She has a nose for art, no doubt about it.”

In her spare time, Blossom enjoys getting her belly rubbed, rooting for Cheerios in her wading pool, taking naps in the sun and practicing tricks, Jackie said.

“She’s rambunctious, very sweet but stubborn,” Scott said. “I have a new appreciation when people say ‘eat like a pig.’ She is truly driven by food.”

Blossom signs her paintings with a snout print. Several of her paintings hanging in the SCAC gallery are “Sunny Yellow with Blue Smoke,” “Black with Splashes of Red and Yellow” and “Sky Blue with Flames of Burnt Orange and Green.”

A portion of the proceeds from her painting sales go to pig rescue and Hand in Paw, a nonprofit organization specializing in animal-assisted therapy.

After painting a canvas, Blossom played the small, plastic toy piano she received this Christmas.

“She really is a ham, in the truest sense,” Scott said. “She’s happy to perform, and she usually does a good job. We’re proud of her.”

Featured artists in this year’s Fine Folk Art Show are Brian Bohanan, Mary Ann Casey, Lindsay Dyess, Scott McQueen, Shawn Wallace and Teresa Wamble (curator).

The exhibit will be on display from Jan. 15 to Feb. 26. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lewis Lakes Vineyards hosted a beverage reception, bluegrass and folk group The Hooteneers played live music and Partners for the Arts provided refreshments.

For more information, visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com.