Larry M. Klukaszewski
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
