Continuing my latest 'sweeps month' (May, 2013), here is my latest 'photo-op' - this time, pairing me up with talented cartoonist John Raya of Orlando, Florida. His specialty is taking his drawings of animals and converting them into a series of original handcrafted statuettes, which he's been selling now for 35 years!

This particular picture was taken (a few years ago) at an 'arts and crafts fair' in the Coconut Creek area of Broward County - one of many venues where John sells his wares. Beneath a canopy with the company name "Beasties of the Kingdom"®, he displays his animal statuettes, which never fails to attract a lot of attention to the public.

Most of his statuettes depict non-anthro animals in cartoony poses (such as the skunk who holds his own nose). And the menagerie ranges from forest creatures (foxes, raccoons, bears, etc.) , to jungle critters (rhinos, hippos, giraffes, etc.) to aquatic fauna (seals, walruses, etc.), and even mythical beasts (dragons and unicorns). I, myself, own over half-a-dozen of John's statuettes (most of which adorn the front window of my condo, so that passers-by can admire them, too).

If you'd like to know more about John Raya's talents, and (perhaps) even show an interest in buying one (or more) of his statuettes, you can visit his "Beasties of the Kingdom"® website at http://www.beasties.com

And be sure to watch for more 'photo-ops' from me, later this month!

"Beasties of the Kingdom" ® John Raya