Cured Ham: Smithfield the Painting Pig

by Fran M Martin

On stage Smithfield, the Virginia born pot-bellied pig, reveals his special talents. He picks up a brush with his porcine jaws, walks up to the canvas and paints. He drops the brush, picks up another and starts over again. Disaster struck; his brush was stilled and the pig hospitalized. The community embraced their hometown celebrity. Smithfield was no ordinary pig. He paid for his own medical expenses selling his art. But, would tragedy strike again? How will “Smithfield the Painting Pig” legacy unfold? His claim to fame includes appearances on “Live with Regis and Kelly,” “Pet Star” in Hollywood, and “America’s Got Talent”; seconds of fame by way of video on “Oprah,” “Rachel Ray,” and photo on “The Ellen Show.” Some folks call it “Hope.” Others say, “Look, it’s a painting pig.” A few label it “Foolishness.” After reading this true story you may call it, “A Miracle.”

186 pages, Paperback

First published April 17, 2013