Local stores sell Gurnee artist's Halloween gore!

October 07, 2010

By ANGELA D. SYKORA Staff Writer

The monsters in Gurnee graphic artist Tom Peltier’s basement are loose and lurking at a store near you.
Peltier, creator of Halloween masks and props, has operated his own business and website, www.toms night terrors.com, about four years. This Halloween season, his wicked work can also be found at
JJ blinkers joke, magic and custom shop in Antioch and Treasures and Trash in Libertyville. “He's
been a customer for years and does a really nice job,”said Joanne Linker, owner of JJ blinkers,
who is selling several of Peltier's Halloween masks, which also make great props.

“It's nice to have something from someone local who takes pride in their work” she said.

Peltier took a two-year hiatus from working on his ghoulish masks and props to complete a graphic design degree from the College of Lake County in Grayslake, but the economy hasn't been kind
to his industry so he's getting back to the work he loves.

Favorite art form

“I love doing this more than any kind of art,” said Peltier, who grew up a fan of old Universal Studios films like” “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” “Dracula” and “The Wolfman.”

It's the Peter Pan thing; I never grew up,” he said. “Halloween is my favorite holiday.”Peltier's
creepy creations include fiendish monster masks, demon heads, scarecrows, sculptures and more. Two of his Rottgut Pumpkin Scarecrow props
have been featured at Six Flags Fright Fest.
Every item is hand-made, some taking as
many as 40 hours to complete.

"Peltier said he is excited to see his creations sold locally.”It's a big opportunity for me that
local stores are taking my work in. It's a start.”

After Halloween, Peltier plans to launch a
new website for his graphic design business, Peltier graphics and design, along with maintaining www.tomsnight terrors.com.
Call (847) 951-6651