Look Ma! No Hands!

14. Aug, 2009 Comments Off

St. Augustine, Fla. (Aug. 14, 2009) – What would be the least likely profession for a man who can’t use his arm or legs? If you’re thinking “famous artist,” you lose!

Saturday, August 22 at the original Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum in St. Augustine, Fla., Tony Ryals will be painting the only way he knows how – with his mouth.

Tony Ryals cannot use his arms or legs, but will produce stunning art at Ripley’s August 22

Tony, who was born with a rare birth defect which has not allowed him use of his limbs since birth, will be one of many artists and painters gathered at the museum from 3 to 7 p.m. for the “End of Summer Blast.”

In typical Ripley’s style, the festival’s artists will be joined by a drum circle band, face painters, and even Petunia the Pot-Bellied Pig, a local four-legged celebrity. Ripley’s General Manager Ed Shaffer says, “Petunia won’t be allowed inside, but all humans are welcome. Plus, all the outside events are free.”

Ryals’ paintings are well-known in North Florida, displayed in his prominent studio at the Jacksonville Landing downtown. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with arthrogryposis, a rare condition which leaves limbs virtually useless, and was taken in as a foster child at age two by Jack and Evelyn Ryals. Tony credits his new family with supplying him with hope and paint brushes. Ryals adds inspirational messages to the backs of all his paintings, but says his favorite line of encouragement to others is “never give up!”