As world-renowned sculptor Richard Hunt prepares to move operations away from his Benton Harbor satellite studio, he will be leaving a parting gift for the community.
The entire studio.
Krasl Art Center Executive Director Tami Fauver made the announcement Wednesday.
“Krasl Art Center has had a long relationship with Richard, ” she said. “We’re just really honored and really pleased.”
Over his 70-year career, the Chicago native has been recognized as one of the most successful metal sculptors in the world, and has well over 100 sculptures placed throughout the country.
In 1995, Hunt opened his satellite studio at 258 Territorial Road in Benton Harbor. Two of his works are displayed in St. Joseph, including the soaring And You, Seas overlooking the St. Joseph River Channel and Rising Crossing Tides in front of Krasl.
His studio in Benton Harbor contains about 30 sculptures.
“His desire is for the space to remain an art space and grow into an active community resource,” Fauver said. “We’re just super thankful and looking forward to building on his legacy, and the legacy of arts in our community.”
Fauver said Hunt will continue to use the studio space for the next two years, which allows them some time to plan and prepare for the “wonderful gift.”
He has more than 100 commissioned works throughout the United States, including more than 30 in the greater Chicago area, as well as many in Washington D.C., New York, Cleveland and Atlanta.
