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He has taught workshops and classes in the United States, Canada, England, and Greece. He has also written three books on the creative aspects of sign design. He has had numerous articles published in the journals on design, which he says is“ the heart, mind, and personality” of the trade.
With his artistic sense stretching in all directions, Gary is also an active“ Walldog.” The Walldogs group was born when a group of billboard painters met in 1995 with the intention of producing large public murals. Gary created 25 murals in the United States and five in Canada. One of his murals can be seen on the brick wall photo by Chris Hack of the Farmer House Museum in Bloomington. In the coming seasons, he will be working on a 12’ x 24’ mural in Shipshewana depicting its Amish heritage, and later one in French Lick. He has served as the project leader for the Walldogs on twelve murals, which can be very demanding. Room and board, plus materials are provided for the group of painters producing the mural.
Gary shares his thanks for the work the Brown County community gave him. His wife, Linda, kept the financial end of the business. Gary’ s admiration for Linda is evident as he says that he would have been bankrupt if she had not been handling the books.“ She was the cheerleader and a great supporter.” At various times, their sons, Taylor and Zach, had a hand working in the business. With five grandchildren now in the family, grandparenting is a delight for the Andersons.
Having recently retired, Gary is looking forward to stretching his creative muscles— writing, sculpting, mural painting— always teaching and always learning. He thanks Brown County for all the opportunities that have come his way. •
18 Our Brown County • May / June 2014