Chicago artist designs 'Parka the Hutt' from parking stubs - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Chicago artist designs 'Parka the Hutt' from expired parking stubs

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CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -

A curious creature is gracing the pages of Chicago Magazine. He's also been spotted out and about on city streets much to the surprise of passersby.

The paper-mache monster, dubbed "Parka the Hutt," is made completely out of hundreds of expired parking meter stubs issued by the city of Chicago, all put together by a local elementary school art teacher.

John Belonio, from Downers Grove, joined Good Day Chicago to show us his unusual sculpture.

Belonio said the idea sprung from an article by Jeff Ruby in Chicago Magazine recently talking about how the little white pieces of paper are littering the city. The article asked readers to send in their expired tickets which Ruby then delivered to Belonio, asking him to do something with them.

Belonio, who is a huge "Star Wars" fan, designed the sculpture in the likeness of the Jaba the Hutt character from the movie franchise. He says it took roughly 800 tickets to complete the piece.

The sculpture has made its rounds out in the public and he says people have gravitated to it and it's struck a chord with people upset over the parking meter policy in Chicago.

The sculpture will make an appearance in a parade in Bridgeport on May 12 before making rounds at local schools with Belonio.

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