'Balloon Banksy' pays homage to Knicks championship in West Village
WEST VILLAGE, Manhattan (WABC) -- There is something about balloons that instantly lift spirits - nobody knows this better than Joel Klein, aka Balloon Banksy.
It's a year-round labor of love for Klein, who attaches and leaves one of his balloon creations on a pole at Hudson and Leroy in the West Village.
Now, he's paying homage to the Knicks fresh off their NBA championship.
"The Knicks thing...it was a no brainer," he said. "The one I made yesterday of Jalen Brunson - I knew people would love it."
Klein, 76, considers balloons to be a bridge between strangers. The retired electrician started by making simple ballon animals at events for kids but stepped his game up after going to a balloon art convention.
"Initially...I wanted to make a political statement but then I realized the best political statement is more kindness, more compassion," he said.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts on the go
* Download our connected TV app
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
