Andrew L. Chernak's creative impressions were influenced by growing up during the Civil War Centennial. He had added exposure to Civil War history by spending much time on his grandfather's Virginia farm. The farm was located on the retreat route between Petersburg and Appomattox. Early childhood treasures were not only sets of metal Civil War soldiers, but also actual bullets, buckles, and even a Civil War army pistol. All of these historical "treasures" were dug up by his grandfather in the Civilian Conservation Corps at the Crater in Petersburg.

Growing up with a family rich in military tradition, he joined the Army in 1968 and served as an infantryman. Two Purple Hearts, five other awards, and a year in Vietnam later, Andrew had acquired a rare first hand experience of the subjects he would portray so emotionally and accurately.

After his discharge from the Army, Andrew started to pursue sculpting full time. One of his first projects was the Franklin Mints first series of Pewter figures, "The American People," and the first series of silver figures, "The Legendary Americans".

Special presentations of Andrew's work are in the collections of the late President Ronald Reagan, and the late President of France, Francois Mitterand. He has also applied his sculpting talents to produce items used in motion pictures such as "The Last of the Mohicans", "Wild Wild West", and "The Patriot".

Andrew's 35 years of sculpting experience, coupled with his intense study and research of Civil War weapons, uniforms, and accoutrements has resulted in these beautiful, detailed sculptured pewter works of the Confederate Pewter Collection.