A local "balloon artist" started out studying the sciences.
The performer known to many Lawrence folks only as Balloon Man is actually Bill Wachspress, 42.
Talk to him when he's not entertaining crowds, and it becomes clear this is one intellectual -- and overqualified? -- balloon artist.
Wachspress, who grew up in Schenectady, N.Y., earned a bachelor's degree in architectural studies in 1992 from Kansas University.
Along the way, he said, he took many courses in science, engineering and physics. They're subjects he remains deeply interested in.
Wachspress chose KU because he specifically wanted to study with Distinguished Professor Victor Papanek, an industrial designer in KU's architecture department.
Papanek, who died in January 1998, wrote the widely influential book "Design for the Real World" and was at one time affiliated with the Kansas City Art Institute.
"He was kind of my mentor," Wachspress said.
Wachspress has been performing as Balloon Man since 1995. His persona grew out of early stints he did spontaneously in the atrium of the Lawrence Riverfront Plaza Factory Outlet, Sixth and New Hampshire streets.
After initially setting a hat on the ground for tips, his work there -- and at the Antique Mall, 830 Mass. -- proved so popular that Wachspress started hiring himself out for private parties and events.
Performing as Balloon Man keeps Wachspress so busy -- and is profitable enough -- that this has become a full-time job for him.
Last May, for example, Wachspress was hired 24 times to entertain at events.
For Sept. 25 alone, he has received six requests to perform, and will only be able to accept two of the offers.
"I make a lot of people happy doing this. I'm not rich, but I can pay the bills," he said.
He's now a familiar sight at local and area events such as Art in the Park, the Fall Arts and Crafts Fair, and the Douglas County Fair.
"It's such an unlikely medium for art," Wachspress said of his unique field.
"I like the fact that I can create so many things so fast. I can make hundreds of works of art in a day.
"Now I'm looking for a medium that doesn't pop."
-- Jim Baker's phone message number is 832-7173; his e-mail address is jbaker@ljworld.com.
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