Jason Panek of Batavia likes junk. But it wouldn't be fair to label him simply as a scavenger or dumpster diver.
Jason Panek, a Batavia artist is making this robot piece of art in his home studio from scrap pieces of metal, including an old vacuum cleaner. - John Starks | Staff Photographer "I grew up doing construction with my dad, building houses, so I got the knack of building things and putting things together from him," Panek said."We lived on a farm in Traverse City, Michigan, so I tended to be around light construction and handyman stuff all of the time.
When he relocated to Batavia in 2007, he became friends with some members of his church who made a living creating art from everyday items. His prices range from $5 for something like old light bulbs converted into metal spiders to $1,200 or more for large"robots" made from old vacuum cleaners and other materials.
Such a scenario in which customer service played a big role gives Panek's future vision a boost."That Batavia art show really rejuvenated me and a belief in what I was doing and how much happiness it can bring people," he said."When they see something, they say they remembered when it was actually a vacuum, old radio, old tool or other things."Kayla's tree catches attention The Geneva History Museum's annual Giving Tree program used to be a one-stop shop.
The foundation also provides $2,000 scholarships to two St. Charles East and two St. Charles North students studying music, literature or psychiatry. Laura Rudow, the park district's superintendent of parks and planning, said the district was"thrilled to learn that this playground can be repurposed to provide children with recreation opportunities in an underserved community or village in another part of the world."