Just when you think youve heard it all well, you havent. Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Centers SQUIRT, the resident GIANT PACIFIC OCTOPUS, would fit right in here on the North Coast, perhaps as a featured Art Walk artist. Yes, Squirt has taken up painting.

The octopus is pictured in photos by JEFFREY BASINGER. You can also watch him on the Octocam at: http://tinyurl.com/octowatch

Actually, to be fair, the octopus doesnt know hes painting. Aquarist KRISTEN SIMMONS created a mechanism that allows Squirt to remotely paint (using a number of brushes) on a canvas outside his tank while hes working to open a plastic toy with treats inside the tank. The whole exercise is to keep Squirt occupied and entertained so he doesnt get bored.

And of course, Squirt has a Facebook page, Squirt the Octopus, where he lists his profession as Artist. He loves: crustaceans, ink discharge, skin art, puzzles; hates: astroturf, moray eels, Greek cuisine. Clearly, he is a well-rounded cephalopod.

Elleda Wilson