Dave Naydock was that guy who became a part of the landscape he beautified. For years, the local people of Pottsville grew accustomed to seeing him working, gradually transforming the odd decrepit retaining wall or building side into a head-turning work of art.

Naydock was born in Pottsville and raised in the Pittsburgh area. He returned to Pottsville where he painted many murals. His studio work has been sold all over the world. He passed away Jan. 20, 2013, at the age of 52.Tamaqua High School art teacher Lori Remmel met Naydock at the Walk-in Art Center, Schuylkill Haven, and still remembers her reaction to seeing his work."He was an artist in every sense of the word," she said Friday, from the art classroom at the high school. "In addition to being so very talented, he was also an incredibly kind and helpful person."On Friday, Remmel and students painted about a dozen parking meter tops which will be displayed in Pottsville's Arch Street parking lot May 29, which has been designated Dave Day (www.naydock.com). One of Naydock's friends, photographer Jon Paroby, is picking up the meters and helping organize the events for Dave Day.