Kevin Schwartz

Balloon Artist + Juggler

Kevin Schwartz has been juggling and ballooning for some time in the area. He has progressed from juggling balls to bowling pins, clubs, rings, knives and even torches. Kevin also specializes in large sculptures and table decorations and has been known to make appearances as St. Nick around the holidays. To boot, he’s a teacher and will be hosting a balloon twisting class on Dec. 27 from 2-3pm at That’s Adorable in downtown Eau Claire. The cost for the class is $3/child or $5/adult. To book or contact Kevin, find  Kevin's Juggling & Balloons on Facebook or email him at balloonguy911@gmail.com.

Daisy Ray

Clown + Face Painter

Daisy Ray (or Lori Blyth as some might know her) performs around the area and has been since 2008. She specializes in a number of skills, including face painting, balloon twisting and temporary tattoos. If you’re interested in booking Daisy Ray, you can find information at DaisyRayTheClown.webs.com or by emailing her at daisyraytheclown@gmail.com.

How’d you get started in your trade? What first got you interested in it?

Daisy Ray: I’ve been clowning four years, since 2008. What initially got me interested in clowning was an experience that I had on a mission trip to El Salvador when I was 16.   I had the opportunity to dress up as a clown and interact with the children at one of the schools.   The kids were so loving and sweet, and I had a great time.   I thought being a clown was pretty cool.

Kevin Schwartz: I began juggling in third grade (1987) after a performer visited my school and I was inspired.   At first, I went to my local library and through books/videos started practicing until I was able to juggle three balls.   It took me a year before I had made much progress.   My freshman year of college (1996), I was introduced to the owner and son of a local magic shop by a friend.   I began learning some basic card magic.   Sophomore year, a girl from bible study, was participating in random acts of kindness and taught me some basic balloon twists to assist her, she taught me a dog, flower, and turtle.     I returned to the library to find more I could learn about balloons.

Do you ever use your skills around the house or with your own family?

Kevin Schwartz:  I often practice at home and have been teaching my 5 & 7 year old how to twist and juggle.   I use balloons as incentive to accomplish chores around the house and also make them to go with the tip for servers when we eat out as a family.   Most of our exteneded family is in Michigan, but when we are together I have been known to grab three pieces of fruit and entertain a little, sometimes even at the grocery store.

Daisy Ray:  I home school my children, and once per week we have a clown class.   We learn about the history of clowning, character development, makeup, and other clown skills.   I want to share this part of my life with my kids.

Any good stories from your years of experience?

Daisy Ray:  Not too long ago I had to stop in a small town to ask for directions to an event.   The only public place open was a bar, so I walked in wearing my full clown getup to seek out some help.   There were about four people sitting at the bar, and one man nearly fell off his stool when he saw me.   Maybe the shock caused him to stop drinking; I don’t know.

Kevin Schwartz:  There have been tons of interesting stories in the last 20+ years.   I do get a lot of kids trying to play stump the balloon guy.   I also get asked if I can make anything A LOT.   My standard reply is just about anything, although I haven’t figured out the porcupine yet.   My more interesting requests have included:   a spine for a chiropractor, a Packers football player, logos for businesses, a vikings hat in packers colors, a purple people eater, a water buffalo, a 1/2 wolf - 1/2 dolphin,   Popeye and other such characters.

What’s your favorite thing to face paint?

Daisy Ray:  Definitely superheroes!   I love to see little boys get into the role and how excited they get to actually become the hero that they so admire.

What’s your favorite balloon to twist?

Kevin Schwartz:  My favorite quick twist is the bear hugging a heart or the small single balloon flower.   My favorite large decoration/anniversary/special twist is a 6 balloon braided heart.

Any good stories from your years of experience?

Kevin Schwartz:  I suggest that parents set realistic expectations when throwing a party for kids.   Think about the age of the child and only inviting a select number, not always everyone they know or the entire classroom.   Conversations ahead of time   as a family are important, for example: “this year we are having the balloong guy OR bouncy house, that doesn’t mean we will every year.”   I have heard many stories about how parents feel they need to top the party from the previous year.   Just relax, keep it simple and have fun!

Daisy Ray: I think the best thing you can do for your kid’s party is to make it all about them, from start to finish.   Be sure to include them in all stages of planning and preparation.   Focus on making the experience enjoyable for everyone, and your kids will have fond memories of how special their parties were.   The people involved are more important than all the trappings.