Ever thought about owning 5,000 balls of various shapes, sizes, materials and even creating sculpture from this ball collection? Paul Veerkamp, now deceased, had every type of ball that you can think of including animal, fuzzy, talking, sports, exercise, “honorary”, pool, golf, disco and more. “It’s not an obsession, it’s a focus!” said Paul. A free open house for this fun exhibit will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 1, in conjunction with the open house for a new business, “Da Muse Um” located on Main Street in Lucas.  
It all began when he needed an exercise ball for therapy. Then of course his wife needed a ball and so it just grew. All balls were purchased at garage sales. His indoor and outdoor environment at his home in Lawrence also included human like figures out of balls.
Paul’s colorful “Dream Generator” machine sat in his yard and whirled continuously day and night. A video of Paul and his house and yard environment can be viewed at the exhibit.
This exhibit will be open for viewing during March until April 30, at the Grassroots Art Center, 213 S. Main Street in Lucas. Hours at the art center for March are 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday - Saturday and the month of April, 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday - Monday.  Admission is charged. Members are free.