I was walking north on Hudson Street approaching Leroy Street in downtown NYC when I noticed this balloon art attached to the stoplight and crosswalk sign pole. A closer look revealed a Santa-like face with blue eyes and a big white beard and a red heart balloon above it labeled “hug zone,” with a peace sign drawn on it as well. I had never seen anything like this before, and the whimsical character’s cheerful face made me smile.
I didn’t notice any identification of the artist on the spot, but a search online reveals this to be the work of a man who sometimes calls himself “Balloon Banksy” and “BigHead Balloons.” Further research reveals this artist to be Joel Klein, a retired electrician, and it appears from what I’ve read that he lives in the area and steps outside and installs new balloon designs at different times. It’s not clear to me what eventually happens to them, or how long they stay inflated, but it’s certainly a nice way to bring smiles to people in the neighborhood.
You can learn more about Joel Klein and his balloon art on his BigHead Balloons Facebook Page and on his Instagram feed.