Waterloo has gone global! Now, I know that Waterloo is known worldwide for its production of John Deere tractors as well as for the Five Sullivan Brothers and as hometown of Olympic hero Dan Gable.

Well, Waterloo can now add artist Paco Rosic and his rendition of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel to its list of world-renowned notables.

If you have been away like me, busy eating or hiding in a cave somewhere and have not heard of Paco's work, allow me to enlighten you. Paco Rosic escaped Sarajevo, his birthplace, with his family and his talent for art and went to Germany as a teenager. There, he furthered his love of art and culture before settling with his family in Waterloo in 1997.

While in Waterloo, Paco began to develop his art through genres such as tagging and other community projects that brought attention to his work and talent.

From there he expanded and honed his skill to produce paintings and other works that are displayed throughout the Cedar Valley in restaurants, museums, walls and government buildings.

This summer, Paco decided to elevate his art even further by opening his own gallery while undertaking a project that no other artist has attempted. He went to Rome to study Michelangelo's masterpiece and replicate this amazing work through his own aerosol interpretation.

His dedication and the labor-intensive project soon will be finished with the opening of "Galleria de Paco" in just a few weeks. The establishment, in addition to housing various examples of Paco's work, will include a coffee shop and wine bar to allow visitors a unique experience into his passion.

Not even open to the public yet, Paco's "Sistine Chapel" has become a world-wide media phenomenon being written about in such publications as the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and other national newspapers. In addition, Paco's project has been featured on national news and talk shows including "Rachael Ray," "Today" and on ABC News. A feature on his work even led Yahoo.com, one of the world's foremost search engines.

Though swamped with the media blitz and pressure to complete his gallery opening, Paco and his family have been courteous and accommodating for all who wish to see his work and view their labor of love.

His family has shown true pride and loyalty in their community as well as their new country by working so diligently to not only add to downtown Waterloo but also bring national attention and prominence to the Cedar Valley.

I have been fortunate to see his work come to fruition over the past few months, and I might add that the finished product is breathtaking. I encourage everyone to stop in once the gallery opens to study it yourself.

For more information or a preview, check out Paco's Web site at www.

paco-rosic.com.

Now all I need when the gallery opens is a comfortable chair, a nice cup of coffee and a sweet roll, and I will be in high cotton. In case a translation is in order, that means I will be very happy.

Gary Wheat is the executive director of the Waterloo Conventions and Visitors Bureau.