College student picks up a paintbrush, and 9 months later has a major art exhibit

It started as a whim, and turned into an opportunity all artists dream about.

University of Miami student Matthew Hanzman is studying political science, but decided nine months ago that he wanted to "give this art thing a good shot," he told The Miami Herald. The 21-year-old began painting, and now more than 70 of his pieces will be on display at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, where he is the first painter in the Emerging Artists Showcase.

Miami is "eclectic" and "vibrant," Hanzman said, and he told The Miami Herald his artwork "reflects Miami's diversity." One piece, "Forever," is an acrylic on canvas that "demonstrates graffiti, street culture that's not typically associated with fine art," he said. "My art isn't instantly gratifying, it slowly reveals itself to the viewer." Hanzman is about to start his senior year at the University of Miami, and while he's not giving up his political science studies, he's now "completely obsessed with art," he said. "I hope to keep this going in the future."