A few weeks ago, while the NBA Finals were going on, we ran a lunchtime music video here that featured the work of George Vlosich III, an artist who works in the medium of -- Etch A Sketch. In that video, we saw a fast-forward version of Vlosich doing a portrait of the Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James.

The simple, low-tech gadget that's merely a plaything in the hands of most people has become the means that allows Vlosich to exhibit his considerable artistic talents.

Well, it turns out that George has some Baltimore connections. Even though Vlosich is from the Cleveland area, the athlete he has drawn the most is Cal Ripken Jr. Vlosich met Ripken years ago at Cleveland's Municipal Stadium and after seeing young George's artwork, Cal rewarded him with a game-used bat.

And one of Vlosich's most viewed works hangs in the ESPN Zone at the Inner Harbor. It's an oversized replica of a dual portrait featuring Ripken and Lou Gehrig, the two Iron Men of baseball (see below).

Vlosich, 28, works for an advertising firm on the creative end of the business but art, he said, is where his heart is. He has drawn numerous sports heroes and political luminaries and has even met Bill Clinton after doing a portrait of the president.

"I got my start on a family trip; we used to drive to Baltimore and Ocean City and D.C.," he said, "and one time I did a picture of the Capitol building.  From there, I just wanted to see how good I could get."  To see more of Vlosich's work, here's a link to his Web site.

And, remember, like all Etch A Sketch drawings, Vlosich's works are one continuous line and each picture takes 60 to 70 hours.

Images couretsy of George Vlosich III.