Guido Verhoef (the Netherlands) is one of the best balloon art teachers in the world!
Guido followed the European School for Performing Arts and has been actively involved in the balloon industry since 1991 as an artist, designer, teacher and producer of large scale balloon projects and shows. As producer he directed the first international balloon fashion shows of Europe (2006 Belgium), Asia (2007 China) and the USA (2008 Las Vegas).
Among the many rewards he received the title European Balloon Artist of the Year, first Prices at Large sculpture competitions in Europe and the USA and two Life Time Achievement awards for his dedication to the International Balloon Industry.
In 2016 Guido worked in 5 continents and organized the largest fundraiser in the balloon industry with over 30 participating countries creating balloon rhino’s to raise awareness against rhino poaching. As a signature piece a 16 x 9 meter big Rhino was built in South Africa.
In Israel a 26 meter high Dove of Freedom sculpture was built at 40 minutes from the Syrian border
In Xiamen China Guido organized the World Balloon Art Festival bringing in 48 international artists. Together with local balloon artists and volunteers they created the first balloon festival week with daily balloon shows, a daily balloon parade and a Guinness World Record balloon exhibition using a record of 365.000 balloons and attracting 350.000 visitors.
In the past 25 years he produced 13 workshop DVD’s that were sold in 40 countries! He also made over 230 shows for Dutch National Television and more than 4500 shows and performances in 5 continents.
His passion is to share happiness with his art form and inspire others to use their creativity by creating large sculptures and international creative projects in cooperation with local artists.
Guido have taught classes in USA, Canada, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Chili, Mexico, Israel, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Russia, Dubai, Spain, Greece, Italy, Norway, Belgium, Germany, France, Holland, South Africa & Turkey to over 10.000 students face to face in the past 26 years!
Artists Awards:
European Balloon Entertainer of the Year
First Price Non round sculptures Large Category T-Jam Austin V.S.
Favourite Style Price 2 minute stage competition T-Jam Austin V.S.
First Price Non round sculptures Large Category Millenniumjam Moll Belgium
Second Price 12 minute stage competition Millenniumjam Moll Belgium
2003.
Balloon decorator certification: Certified Balloon Artist
Second Price Small Sculptures Millenniumjam Moll Belgium
First Price Pandora’s Box (2minute sculpture competition) Balloon Event Amsterdam
Second Price Large Sculpture competition Balloon Event Amsterdam
2004.
Third Price 12 minute stage competition Millenniumjam Moll Belgium
Second Price Small Sculptures Millenniumjam Moll Belgium
2005.
World’s Largest Balloon tunnel Brussel Belgium
2006.
First price International film festival – short balloon films Chicago USA
2009.
Recipient of the Don Cheeseman Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award Cincinatti USA
2014.
Recipient of the David Grist Memorial Award New York USA
Guinness World Record Largest Balloon Exhibition Xiamen China
2017.
Recipient of the Inspire Award Orlando USA
2nd Guinness World Record Largest Balloon Exhibition Xiamen China
2018.
Recipient of the 2nd David Grist Memorial Award Las Vegas USA
