From Trash to Treasure

Hidden within the wilderness at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg, FL you'll find something out of the ordinary. After hiking a mile or so along the main trail you may think your eyes are playing tricks on you as you approach this massive metallic object.

As you draw near it becomes clear that it's a large sculpture of an Armadillo. Look closer and you'll see that it is constructed of what looks to be old scrap metal objects like car bumpers and water main caps.

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Walk another 1/4 mile or so around the small pond adjacent to the sculpture and you'll find another Armadillo sculpture (albeit a bit smaller) overlooking the pond but don't climb on it (Armadillos don't like to be climbed upon).

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These magnificent up-cycled works of art are finished products from a locally famed artist by the name of Paul Eppling. Originally from New Orleans, Eppling migrated to the area in the 1970s to attend school where he met his wife and eventually settled into a quiet neighborhood in St. Petersburg. His works of art can be found all over the city in public places.

Unfortunately Eppling was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, which is related to Parkinson's disease, and he eventually passed away last December. Eppling had a unique perspective, he saw the world differently than most of us. What most would see as trash or junk, Eppling envisioned art and he loved to share that passion with his community. His unique art became a fixture in the community of St. Petersburg and he will be missed by many.