Bettis' HOF Induction Will Be Special Day For Local Artist
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Steeler great Jerome Bettis will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame a week from Saturday. It'll be a special day for Bettis-- but also for a local artist.
Larry Klu's studio in Lower Burrell is filled with images of players he has followed since childhood.
"I have such fond memories growing up," the artist says. "I grew up in the '70s, when the Steeler and Pirate teams were great. And it's such a connection growing up. I grew up playing sports myself."
The painter with the delicate touch played catcher on Edinboro University's baseball team.
He still loves painting those legendary Super Steelers of yesteryear. Steelers whose names are emblazoned in the hearts of fans through out the area. These days, the big name is "Jerome."
Prints of a mural including the new inductee will be sold at the Hall of Fame ceremony August 8.
In the background he artist depicts Ben Roethlisberger and other Steelers.
Since his commission required that he include a rival team, he says, "I had to put the Ravens in there, so forgive me, Pittsburgh."
Much of the proceeds will go to charity: the NFL Art Initiative. Though he's an elementary school art teacher, Larry Klu says he went his own way as a kid.
"My folks would buy me 'paint by numbers' kits, and I would never follow the paint-by-numbers. I would just take the paints and do my own versions of Franco Harris and Mean Joe Greene, and whomever."
For more information on artist Larry Klu, visit: http://www.larryklu.com/
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