Claudio Casagrande opened his first party shop in 1991 in his home town Aprilia in Italy. He quickly realised his passion for the art of balloon decoration. Over the years he has mastered techniques to create sculptures using innovative techniques with G-link balloons. In 2006 Claudio was invited to join Gemar’s Academia Masters. In 2008 he participated in GEMAR’s G20 and the debut of Academia. Claudio teaches all over the world, spanning the continents of Europe, Asia, Middle East and USA.

Vincenzo Musto began his journey into the world of balloon decoration in 1992 when he opened his first balloon shop in Napoli in Italy. Curiously he focused on various techniques and special effects but fell in love with the creativity of balloon art when he discovered twisting. He now specializes in techniques to create balloon decor with modelling balloons. In 2008 Vincenzo was invited to join Gemar’s Academia Masters. His experience and natural passion for balloons made him a natural teacher. Armed with enthusiasm he travels promoting the culture of balloons and teaching the techniques for crafting balloon decorations. Vincenzo teaches worldwide spanning the continents of Europe, Asia, Middle East and USA.

Cristian is a founding member of Academia. As an Academia instructor, trainer and master, he is passionate about balloon art and shares the same vision as Gemar®, believing in the power of balloons to lift the moment. He has travelled the world training and supporting companies that sell balloons to up level their services through balloon art. Now with Academia, he continues to strive to preserve and spread the art of balloon decoration with Gemar’s superior Italian balloons.

Roberta has been working with balloons since 1995. In 2003 she opened her own party shop specialising in balloons and in 2011 she held her first Balloon Art seminar. It was through this work that she became acquainted with Gemar®. Seeing her deep love and talent with balloons she soon started working with Gemar® as a teacher for Academia, making numerous tutorials for magazines in the Balloon Art sector and holding seminars in different countries including Italy, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Poland, Israel, Florida and Russia. Roberta’s greatest passion is Fantasy Flowers, an elegant and captivating technique.

Gergő born in 1990, comes from Hungary. Although he started his working life as an economist, he quickly realised his passion was in balloon art. In 2010, he learnt how to twist balloons and shortly afterwards became a full-time magician/juggler and balloon twister. He continues to be amazed by the joy he brings to people from his talent. In 2014 Gergő joined Funny Box Kft, Gemar’s Hungarian distributor. His passion for balloons is on a majestic scale – he made numerous huge balloon structures all across Hungary. Gergő also works as an entertainer (Line twisting, child parties) and as a clown doctor.

Irina has been in the balloon art industry for nearly a decade. She started her journey selling balloons but as a regular reader of the Sharm-Art magazine she soon became fascinated with the creative skill of balloon art. One day, the magazine ran a competition and without question, she entered. She was quickly picked up by the chief editor of the magazine, Tatiana Petrovna Levina, who recognised her natural talent and decided to help Irina get the best opportunities to learn, grow and show the world what she was capable of. Tatiana pointed her in the direction of specialist festivals around Russia. Irina was both nervous and excited at her first event, she was all alone, but she cherished the opportunity and soon built the team Golden Hands to support her. They are still going strong today and win prizes regularly in festivals across Russia. In 2012 Irina started teaching balloons art skills and has now taught in more than 14 countries, sharing her love of balloons worldwide. She is the only Russian to have won a prize from the Sharm-Art magazine and we are delighted to have her on our Gemar® team as one of our treasured ambassadors.

Irina Gvozdenko discovered the world of balloon art in 2012 and she hasn’t looked back. She has a natural talent and quickly developed sophisticated techniques, using balloons in much the same way as a painter uses oil and pigment. Irina has created some stunning works of art, from small sculptures to huge installations that astound everyone who sees them with their originality and innovation. You can see examples of her work in Russian and foreign magazines as well as international balloon catalogues. Irina Gvozdenko has been a valued member of the Gemar team since 2016, sharing her secrets in workshops and master classes. We are thrilled to have her as a Gemar® Ambassador.

After working with Aerodesign for more than a decade, Veronika learnt a great deal from the world-famous masters there. She was able to exhibit her skills on a world stage by presenting at large scale festivals and exhibitions. Her organisational skills are phenomenal as she organised the international festival of aero design in Ukraine ODESSA BALLOON FEST, which culminated in a parade of Humorina, a spectacular display of creative innovation. Proving that people and connection are as important to her as balloon art, Veronika is the founder of the largest chat community of aero designs in Ukraine with nearly 800 participants. Her business, Veronika Present, is a manufacturer of special equipment and accessories for aero design. Her company is able to organise complex holidays and events for her customers and embraces the joy of balloons at these events whenever possible. We are very proud to have Veronika on our team and in our family. We look forward to lifting the moment together.

Her passion for balloons began in Venezuela after her own children were born. She suddenly had an outlet to explore her creative side more, something that she had been interested in her whole life but never found the time or reason to pursue. She decided to introduce high-level children’s parties ‘Recreaciones Estrellas magicas’. This gave Yulys the opportunity to push her creative boundaries and organise exciting, inspiring parties for her guests. However, it was only when her granddaughter Nathalia was born, that she truly decided to pursue her dream and discover the magical power of balloons. Yulys trained with world famous balloon artists like Guido Verhoef and continued to widen her artistic horizon with the likes of Irina Lobanova, Anatoly and Sergey Shevchenko, Alex Hernández and Luz Paz. Yulys understood not only the full potential of balloon art but the impact of quality, sustainable balloons on the end result. We welcome Yulys onto our ambassador team, we are confident that together we can lift the moment in style.

Lia has always been creative and started out as a makeup artist until one day she offered to create a balloon display. It was lucky for us that she did, since that first display ignited a passion for balloon art that has transformed her into a global leader in the industry. As Lia’s vision and passion have grown, she has become a true artist. She loves working with colour and incorporating accessories to create stunning works of art that are full of creativity. Her sculptures are always a little different, exciting and innovative in every beautiful detail. Owner of the shop Balloons by Lia Leottau, Lia is a keen business woman who has captivated a global audience with her talents. Yet she still finds time to enjoy music, dancing and heading out for fun with her friends. The energy and joy she experiences on the dancefloor can be seen in the grace and form of Lia’s sculptures, which truly are balloon art at its best.

In 2013 Denis was working in a restaurant when, quite by chance, he discovered that one of his customers was a balloon artist and was looking for employees. Intrigued, Denis agreed to give balloon modelling a try. Little did he know that he was beginning a journey that would soon see him among the best in the world! A few years later, Denis was working on a difficult project and was looking for help. Several people recommended that he contact Ran Nitka and it proved to be a wonderful recommendation. Denis and Ran made a fantastic team and were soon working together regularly. As a child, Ran had been diagnosed with a condition that caused his eyesight to deteriorate, but Denis says that at first he didn’t truly understand what that would mean. Unfortunately he would find out two years later. The pair were working on a spectacular design for a balloon conference when Ran lost his remaining sight and became completely blind. It was a difficult time for Ran but Denis was not prepared to let his friend flounder. Instead he reassured Ran that he wouldn’t allow him to leave the world of balloon art, and would act as Ran’s eyes if he had to. It was a generous act of friendship and one which Ran will never forget. Now the pair work together and have big ambitions. No matter what, they will continue to conquer new peaks and make their dreams a reality.

Ran is one of our Isralian Ambassadors and is a man with a truly inspiring story. Born with retina atrophy in both eyes, he was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at a very young age. This meant that his sight would slowly deteriorate and he would become completely blind. After 20 years working in logistics Ran realised that he would soon be forced to leave his job as his eyesight got progressively worse, but he had no idea what he could do instead. A chance encounter led to Ran discovering the joy and creativity of balloon art. He began with the simple shapes of all new balloon artists, twisting dogs and hearts, but very quickly realised that this was something he could be passionate about. Within a few days he was determined to be one of the best balloon artists in the world. Over the years that followed Ran practiced his new art, developing his creativity as well as technical skills. He won competitions and became well known as a talented balloon artist. It was then that the inevitable happened and Ran finally became completely blind. It was a very difficult time and he considered giving up his beloved balloons, as he couldn’t imagine continuing with his design work. Luckily for all of us Ran’s colleague Dennis Gretzbein told him “You’re not leaving the field, even if I have to give you my eyes” and ever since that day the pair have worked together, with Dennis acting as Ran’s eyes. Ran believes that as a blind person he follows a different thought process to those who can see. His imagination breaks boundaries, seeing the completed work before it has even been started. His ambition is to be one of the ten most influential balloon artists in the world, to inspire people to believe in themselves and make their dreams a reality no matter what obstacles they face. Ran transformed his own life with balloon art, and he will continue to touch many more.

Tamiplipe’s unusual name was given to him by his young daughter, who couldn’t pronounce Jean-Philippe. In 2008 “Tampilipe Le Magnifique” was created, originally as a street artist. He enjoyed entertaining passers by with fakir and juggling, but it wasn’t long before Tampilipe discovered the joy of balloons. Tampilipe was captivated first by balloon sculpture, then by decor and he uses his skills to create beautiful pieces that can make any occasion truly magical. For a few years balloon modelling was little more than a wonderful hobby, but a hobby that grew and grew! Transforming people’s parties was great fun, but it took up more and more time until Tampilipe was forced to choose. Either give up balloons, or make them his career. Luckily for us, he chose to invest in balloon art, giving up other work and learning from some of the top balloon artists. These days he travels all over Switzerland, and beyond, creating stunning decor for shopping centers, corporate spaces and private events. Tampilipe believes that if he can imagine something, see it with his mind, then he can create it with balloons, and we think he’s probably right about that.

Was born in 1980 in Brazil. In 1993, at the age of 13, he made his first party decoration with balloons for his cousin’s birthday. After that he decided to work with balloons and his whole life was dedicated to this. Alisson attended the Federal University of Plastic Arts. In his few free hours, he likes to sew, cook, entertain friends and go out with his dogs. But his biggest passion is balloons. Attention to details and desire to produce art is his greatest inspiration, being able to observe anything and produce art through balloons, realizing forms and expressions of our fantasy in celebration of life. He likes working with balloons because through it he can express all his creativity and his feelings. Alisson sees it as his mission to create customized projects with the aim of bringing people to have unforgettable and remarkable moments through his art and passion for balloons. Today, after a 26-year career in balloon decoration, Alisson says that balloons have allowed him to live, learn, travel and dream. “Enjoy the present, live this day, all days are unique” Alisson said when we asked him about his life motto. And we agree with him and welcome him to our Gemar Ambassadors team. We are sure that together we can lift each moment.

Many years ago as a young child in France, a sweet-seller took a shine to Fabrice and gifted him a rabbit-shaped balloon on a copper wand. His eyes opened wide, and he was instantly hooked. This magical moment, shared with his grandfather, sparked a lifelong passion for balloons and has remained vivid in his memory to this day. So when, after 25 years in the military, Fabrice decided to take his career in a totally new direction, he went back to his childhood interest. BALLOONS BY FABRICE was created in 2010 and has since gone from strength to strength. Fabrice’s creativity with balloons is wide-ranging and inspirational, including balloon animations and a balloon play. Most of all though, he’s best known for organic decoration and large-scale displays. These include a musical stage set of more than 20,000 balloons at the Casino de Paris (2021), and an XXXL fashion set for the leading couturier Giambattista Valli at the Espace Vendome (2022). He brings experience, energy and imagination to Gemar.

Imagine entering a world where fantasy comes to life and the colors of Gemar balloons dance in the air. In this extraordinary realm, Alexander Solomatin is the master who transforms simple balloons into artistic wonders. His adventure began in a cold winter in Moscow, when, at just seven years old, he was captivated by a New Year’s event adorned with balloons. That moment ignited a passion that would shape his entire life, a journey that no one could have predicted. At thirteen, destiny offered him an incredible opportunity. His uncle, who worked in a decoration company, invited him to join. Alexander enthusiastically accepted, taking on every available role, from courier to manual press operator, in order to fully immerse himself in this fascinating world. But the real turning point came with the refinement of his skills. By participating in over 30 festivals and competitions, his balloon sculptures began to earn prestigious awards, such as the Grand Prix at the Moscow Balloon Festival. Each recognition was a step forward, an affirmation of his extraordinary artistic ability. No longer just a young apprentice, Alexander became a pioneer of the art of balloons, creating works that challenged the imagination and enchanted audiences. His career has reached a new peak today with his appointment as Gemar Ambassador. This prestigious role allows him to represent the Gemar family worldwide, continuing to spread his passion and inspiration through his extraordinary creations. Alexander will continue to amaze the world with his works thanks to Gemar balloons. Each of his creations is a visual symphony, a journey that transports anyone into the magic of the moment. But his influence goes beyond artistic creation; he is also a passionate mentor, encouraging new talents to develop their skills and join a community of artists to share knowledge and inspiration. In an era where beauty is often fleeting, Alexander Solomatin reminds us that true art lies in the emotion and inspiration it leaves behind. Every balloon, in his hands, becomes a testament to the transformative power of creativity and passion. And so, each of his creations invites us to dream and believe in the magic of endless possibilities.