Of all of the art I have hanging in the Tiki Lounge, only a precious few are originals. This one may be the most striking. Panda’s Zen is the creation of Mark Thompson, an artist from Michigan known for his Tiki, Hot Rod and Pinup art. I got to know Mark through his 2nd Cousin, Dave West, who used to play ice hockey with me here in Bethlehem. Following Mark on Facebook, I watched his process as this piece was taking shape. When I asked him if it was spoken for, he told me yes, it was for a buddy of his who has a surf band in Chicago, and it was to be their next album cover. A week later he changed his mind and told me it was mine if I wanted it. Score! Also, Mark added the fez-wearing panda at my request. Mahalo, TOPESArt!

