What started out as a hobby for artist Nathan Sawaya is now a full-blown art exhibit, writes Kristin Hunt for PhillyVoice.

While working as a corporate lawyer, Sawaya often felt miserable by the time he got home from his long work day.

Making sculptures with Legos would serve as Sawaya’s solace until he soon realized that he found his calling.

“My mantra is art is not optional,” Sawaya said. “Creating art makes you healthier, creating art makes you smarter. So really, creating art makes you a better person.”

On Saturday, Feb. 17, “The Art of the Brick,” an exhibit of Sawaya’s creative Lego artistry and engineering, was placed on display at The Franklin Institute.

It features more than 100 creations, including 13 large-scale sculptures of endangered species.

The first two rooms of the exhibit are dedicated to recreations of artistic masterpieces, such as famous paintings like “Starry Night” and “Mona Lisa.”

He also transforms other masterpieces like “American Gothic” and Frida Kahlo’s “The Frame” into 3D sculptures, and more. 

The exhibit will be on display for seven months. 

“I hope an exhibit like this does encourage more creativity, creating art at home,” Sawaya said. 

Read more about the creativity of Nathan Sawaya’s “The Art of the Brick” exhibit in PhillyVoice.

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