The HistoryMakers

Internationally renowned sculptor Richard Hunt was born September 12, 1935, on Chicago's South Side. From his mother, Hunt developed an appreciation of the arts, while he developed a business acumen and interest in politics working at his father's barber shop. At an early age, Hunt gravitated towards drawing, painting, and the medium through which he was to transform his own life and the art world - sculpture. He developed his skills at the Junior School of the Art Institute and later at the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Inspired by the modern sculptures of twentieth-century artists, Hunt began to experiment with new techniques, including welding pieces of metal into abstract shapes. The artistic community responded enthusiastically to the young sculptor's talents. Hunt was invited to exhibit at the Artists of Chicago and Vicinity Show and the American Show, where the Museum of Modern Art purchased a piece for its collection. He also became the youngest artist to exhibit at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, a major international survey exhibition of modern art.

Hunt has experimented with a wide range of sculptural techniques, challenging traditional boundaries. With his rich body of work, Hunt has explored many historical and contemporary themes and his creations reveal the artist's profound insight into social and political issues.

Hunt has completed more public sculptures than any other artist in the country. His signature pieces include Jacob's Ladder at the Carter G. Woodson Library in Chicago and Flintlock Fantasy in Detroit. Hunt's ability to transform and fuse raw material with space has earned him the acclaim and respect of many. He was appointed by President Lyndon Johnson as one of the first artists to serve on the governing board of the National Endowment for the Arts and he also served on boards of the Smithsonian Institute. Hunt is the recipient of numerous awards and honorary degrees.

Hunt was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on January 15, 2001.