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Artist Finds Success On Boxes Of Chocolates

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By JESSICA BAIR, The Suncoast News

Published: January 2, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Thomas LeGault's sister dragged him to an art class when he was 13. There, a passion for art and a career were born.

Solely by showing and selling his landscapes and nature paintings, LeGault has supported his family for the past 36 years.

The odds of making such a living as an artist are "like getting struck by lightning 20 times," said LeGault, who lives in Plymouth, Mich. His mother, Karen LeGault, owns Karen's Gifts in downtown New Port Richey.

His tranquil and picturesque scenes of the Midwest have taken him to galleries, museum shows and art tours across the United States and abroad.

But LeGault's latest accomplishment brings a whole new level of respect, he said.

A year ago, a man approached him at an art show in Columbus, Ohio. The man turned out to be Mike Akers, whose Fudge Akers line of fudge and chocolates is sold at Cracker Barrel restaurants.

From that chance encounter, LeGault began talks that led to his artwork being featured on Fudge Akers packaging. His strong use of color and mirror-reflective images were incorporated into the design.

The fall country scene with a red barn now covers boxes of button truffles in milk and dark chocolate.

"They really get into it," LeGault said of the recognition he has received from art patrons. "Just the little added boost gets them going."

Mom couldn't be more proud.

"I am so thrilled for him ... that something good has happened for him," Karen LeGault said. "Because he is just a good human being."

She hopes she'll soon be selling the candy in her Grand Boulevard store.

Such family support has made all the difference to Thomas LeGault.

"I really do appreciate the support my parents gave me," he said. "Letting a goofy, attention-deficit kid paint in the basement ... it was a good thing."

With formal training from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit and years of experience, LeGault will soon shift his attention to Florida landscapes, such as beaches and bodies of water.

Traveling with sketch book and camera in hand, he'll begin "photo referencing" locations to gather inspiration.

Meanwhile, the candy boxes with LeGault's design will be available locally when Cracker Barrel opens - projected for April - on U.S. 19 at Southgate Shopping Plaza.

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