A strapping blonde Belgian artist at the University of Minnesota weighs about 2,000 lbs. and uses unconventional parts of his person … er, body … to create cheery and unusual one-of-a-kind collectible works.

Hercules is a 10-year-old draft horse who paints with his hooves at the University of Minnesota’s Equine Center (UMEC) on the St. Paul campus. His works will be part of the silent auction of equine goodies at the grand opening of the University of Minnesota Louise and Doug Leatherdale Equine Center, 1801 Dudley Ave., St. Paul, on Oct. 15 from 2 to 4: 30 p.m. The artist himself will be present for photos with purchasers of his work