One man's trash is another man's treasure.
Butch Anthony, 47, lives by this motto.
Anthony gained national recognition for his artwork, but said he wouldn't call himself an artist.
"More the junk man," Anthony said.
Anthony, who has turned his 80-acre property in Seale into a museum of his works called the "Museum of Wonder," takes antique items and transforms them into pieces of art.
All of Anthony's works will be on display at his museum March 25-27 as he helps host the annual Doo-Nanny Folk Art Show. Held in Seale, the festival features works by artists from all over the country as well as foods, music and movies.
"We stared the first one 15 years ago, and about five people showed up," Anthony said. "So we just kept doing it every year."
The turnout has grown throughout the years.
"There are hundreds, but they come and they go," said Richard Keller, resident of Seale and friend of Anthony. "It's just a constant steady flow of people. They come from everywhere."
With large turnouts every year, residents said they never know what items will be featured in the festival.
"They make jewelry out of silverware, and they make different types of clothing," Keller said. "There are artists that paint and ones that sculpt. One guy had a car completely covered with bottle caps and another car covered with reflectors, so even the things these people drive are unique."
Anthony said he encourages Auburn students to come out to the festival, and he uses local volunteers to help run it.
Seale is not far from campus, located about 30 minutes away close to Columbus, Ga.
"We usually have some architect students, art students," Anthony said. "I try to make 'em work."
Anthony dabbled in the restaurant business and almost finished a zoology degree before starting his career by selling a few small pieces of art.
Now, Anthony gets most of his material from the auctions held at the Possum Trot Antique Shop every Friday night.
"We just hang out over here, and we auction off junk next door," Anthony said.
The auction starts at 7 p.m., and bidders stay as late as midnight hoping to find the perfect antique item.
Despite his success, Anthony remains quiet, but those who know him best have no problem doing the bragging for him.
"He has pieces hanging in the Columbus museum," Keller said. "He has sold his art on the Internet in every state in this country. He's a lot bigger than he lets on."
Although his story has been sought out by the New York Times and the History Channel's "American Pickers," Anthony said he does not like all of the attention.
"I kind of hide from folks like you," Anthony said. "I don't know what the big deal is really."
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