If candy bar sales go up
in Osceola County this month, blame it on Reza.

The renowned artist, who specializes in larger-than-life size pictures of M & M's, Mounds, Reese's and other chocolate delights, has 16 of his works on display in the lobby of the First Sterling Bank in Buena Ventura Lakes.

The lobby display of the Persian-born artist will continue throughout February.

"We've got candy bars, roses and cheesecake in the lobby," said Michelle Diela of First Sterling Bank. "It makes me hungry."

Reza, who has been painting since he was a young boy, became a commercial artist after college. 

The early influence of chocolate bar presents from his father has had a lasting effect on his work.

His current series, titled "Guns and Roses," includes florals, petals and bouquets on seven-foot-tall canvases. But it is his vast acrylics of chocolate candy bars, Oreo cookies and fudge-laced cherry cake that have made him famous in art circles.

Reza will be in Osceola County on Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at a Business After Hours meeting of the Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber of Commerce.

The public can view Reza's artwork during regular business hours at the First Sterling Bank, 1001 Buena Ventura Blvd.