Larry M. Klukaszewski, pronounced Klu-ka-shev-ski, is an elementary school teacher who is successfully running his own sports art company, Larry Klu Productions.  He has been inspired by his family and students, past and present, in creating his art and this website.  After continually telling his students to pursue their dreams in life, "Mr. K." decided that it was time to practice what he had been preaching and to begin work on his childhood dream of becoming an artist.  In November 2007, he left his house one cold night to sell some simple sketches as Christmas presents from the back of his Blazer, and less than five years later, he can now say that his work resides in the collections of many prominent athletes, past and present, most recently, Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins.  "Steeler Nation" was able to watch Larry on the Hines Ward Show in December 2008 as he presented the host with a hand-painted authentic game helmet containing beautiful artwork done to celebrate Mr. Ward's brilliant career.  Hines, in fact, remarked that it was "very detailed."  However, Larry's proudest moment came when he was able to personally deliver a custom painted NFL Duke portrait ball of Mr. Rooney to him during a visit to the Steeler Chairman's office.  The ball can now be seen permanently displayed by the Steelers in the Great Hall at Heinz Field.  Larry continues to do work for professional athletes and their charities.  He is currently working on projects for James Farrior's 51 Foundation and Heath Miller's annual Glimmer of Hope event which raises money in the fight against breast cancer.  "Klu" has also recently become the official artist of the premiere Steelers fan club in the world, the "Steel City Mafia."  The "mafia" is an organization well known for uniting Steeler fans and families while remembering to give back to charities across the country.  This wonderful organization bestowed upon Larry its highest honor in September 2010 by making him an honorary boss.  "Klu" was proudly pinned by Steeler great, John "Frenchy" Fuqua at the mafia's annual sitdown banquet in Pittsburgh.

Much of  the past year has been dedicated to hand-crafted work on NFL footballs and helmets and other sports memorabilia items.  This work has produced truly unique results, as each piece is unlike any other.  The process is a challenging one, requiring many hours of diligent work.  Yet, Larry finds the work extremely rewarding and is ecstatic about the interest that these pieces have generated for his business.  The photos of Larry's artwork attempt to show the detail and care that has been put into each piece.  That being said, the pictures do not do the pieces their justice.  You have to see one up close and personal to be able to appreciate the craftsmanship.

The local media has been good to "Klu" as well.  Not only was he priviliged to appear on KDKA's Hines Ward Show, but he has been featured in articles done by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and the Pittsburgh Tribune Review.  WQED, the PBS affiliate, also honored Larry by making him a part of its nightly show, "On Q Magazine."  Charles Ott, the best pen and ink artist in the city, blogged about "Klu" in his very popular Steel City Artist on-line publication as did the Post Gazette's "Blog N Gold" writer, Dan Gigler.  You can read these articles and watch those show clips here on this very web site.

2011 has been a great year for "Klu."  Many exciting things have happened for the emerging artist including being one of only 25 sports artists in the country to be invited to show in Indianapolis at The National Art Museum of Sports, one of the largest sports art museums in the country.  The display, "Football Invitational," is aptly named, as Indianapolis is the host city for this year's Super Bowl.  Klu was also invited to show in Utah where his work was displayed at the "Days of 47" Rodeo event and The John Wesley Powell River History museum.  Pittsburgh also got to see some of Larry's work on display as his Mean Joe Greene helmet was a part of CMU's "Whatever It Takes" show in the campus gallery, featuring hand-made creations by members of the Steeler nation.  Klu hopes to continue this success as 2011 winds down and 2012 gets under way.

Larry would be happy to custom paint a ball, canvas, helmet, jersey, or any other item for you to add to your prized collection.  Additionally, he has placed a high priority on assisting charitable organizations with his work and would be thrilled to discuss your ideas regarding helping others with his artistic talents as time allows.  Feel free to inquire about Larry's work by emailing or calling him.  He will personally respond to each correspondence in a timely manner.  Remember, if you want something awesome for your "man-cave," "woman-cave," or if you are looking for an extremely unique gift, quit fooling around...Get a "Klu!!"

Thanks for visiting and God Bless.

Larry M. Klukaszewski
Larry "Klu"
Professional Sports Artist, Teacher, and Pittsburgh Sports Nut