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Man Creates Art For Cracker Barrel Candy

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By Jessica  Bair | The Suncoast News

Published: February 12, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - When he was just 13, Thomas LeGault's sister dragged him to an art class. That's when he discovered his passion for art and his career began.

Now, 51, LeGault's landscape and nature paintings have supported his family for the past 36 years, solely on showing and selling his works.

"It's like getting struck by lightning 20 times," says the Plymouth, Mich., resident of the odds of making art a successful career.

LeGault's mother is Karen LeGault, owner of Karen's Gifts, a downtown New Port Richey shop.

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

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

One year ago, he was approached by a man 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 distinct style, strong use of color, and mirror reflective images were incorporated into his design.

LeGault's fall country scene with a big red barn can now be found on the Fudge Akers chocolate button truffles.

"They really get into it," LeGault says of the recognition art lovers have been giving him. "Just the little added boost gets them going," he notes.

Mom Karen could not be prouder of her son's national acclaim.

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

She hopes one day soon to be able to sell the candies in her shop on Grand Boulevard.

That kind of family support is what has led Thomas to become so grateful for his talents, he says.

"I really do appreciate the support my parents gave me," he says. "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 like beaches and bodies of water.

Traveling with sketch book and camera in hand, he will begin "photo referencing" Florida locations to gather inspiration for his latest creations.

The special boxed candy with LeGault's artistic design will be found at the Cracker Barrel on U.S. 19 at the north end of the Southgate Shopping Plaza, in New Port Richey. It is scheduled to open in April.

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