Frankfort Teen Elevates Balloon Animals to an Art Form

A monkey, a killer whale and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

What do these things have in common?

They’re all subjects rendered by balloon sculpting wunderkind Autumn Hensle.

The 16-year-old Frankfort resident and Lincoln-Way East High School sophomore has been working with balloons for the past seven years and began making balloon animals professionally three years ago.

Hensle’s fascination with balloon twisting began at a church picnic, when he saw an old man making balloon animals and doing magic tricks for children.

“It just kind of sparked my interest,” said Hensle. “Once I started, I was hooked.”

Hensle is a self-taught balloon sculptor. He relied on books, DVDs and a balloon animal how-to kit to learn the craft. But he refused to let a lack of formal training limit his potential.

At age 12, Hensle won first place in the medium sculpture category at T Jam, the third largest balloon twisting convention in the world. Hensle, who was the youngest competitor by far, won the contest by creating a 5-foot tall balloon sculpture of the Eiffel Tower in three hours and 30 minutes—well under the five hours allotted for the competition.

Four years later, Hensle, who tries to practice balloon twisting for a few hours each day, operates “Magic Autumn’s Family Fun Shows,” making appearances at birthday parties, community events and grand openings on days when he’s not in school.

Hensle typically works several jobs each weekend, making $50 per hour.

“He does enjoy making people smile and laugh,” said Hensle’s maternal grandfather, Robert Hensle. “He likes to entertain.”

However, Hensle has also used his talents as a method of emotional expression. When his mother died suddenly four years ago, Hensle made balloon animals at her memorial service and encouraged those in attendance to take one home. Hensle’s mother, Melissa, was also artistic.

“He just felt that his mother would have appreciated it,” said Robert.

In addition to making balloon animals, Hensle performs magic tricks. He is a member of the Magic Masters Club of Chicago and his shows include close-up magic and slight of hand.

An interest in magic runs in the family. Hensle’s great great grandmother was the second wife of legendary magician Harry Blackstone, and his great grandfather once met Harry Houdini.

Hensle hopes to continue his career by attending Columbia College Chicago to study art and theater. He aspires to eventually perform professionally on a Carnival cruise ship.

To book Hensle for an appearance, contact Magic Autumn’s Family Fun Shows at 708-674-3621.

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