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http://www.richardhunt.us/

Someone You Should Know: Sculptor Richard Hunt

Lifelong Chicagoan Reportedly Has More Pieces In Public Places Than Any Other Statue-Maker

Richard Hunt (CBS)

More than 50 years later, Hunt is one of the world's most famous and prolific artists.

CBS 2's Harry Porterfield says he's someone you should know.

At Midway Airport, those who fly and others passing by can't help but notice the gleaming metal figure. It's a stainless-steel sculpture entitled "Flight Forms," and it's the work of Hunt, a lifelong Chicagoan.

"From the time I was a kid, I liked to draw," he said.

"One teacher suggested I try sculpture," Hunt added. "Once I did that, working three-dimensionally was just more exciting than two-dimensionally."

Among Hunt's other Chicago sculptures is a bronze work of art that towers above Jonquil Park. And one of Hunt's favorites is "Jacobs Ladder" in the Woodson Library.

"It brings together the art, the architecture and the environment," he said.

Hunt's sculptures are admired all over the United States and throughout the world.

He works in a cavernous North Side studio that was once a CTA substation. It has a crane for lifting and high ceilings.

His studio looks like a junk yard, but from it some of the world's most treasured art objects emerge.

Some of Hunt's smaller pieces are in the lobby of one of the world's biggest buildings, the Willis Tower. But he takes his accomplishments with modesty. He reportedly has more pieces in public places in the United States than any other sculptor.

"I've got over 100 pieces in public places," Hunt said. "Maybe somebody will call the station tomorrow who has 125. But from the late '60s to 2010, there's been a lot of years to make sculptures and place them around."

Hunt was the youngest sculptor to exhibit at the Seattle World's Fair back in 1962. And as far as all the clutter in his studio, Hunt says one man's junk is another man's treasure.

Article written by Harry Porterfield on Friday, February 26, 2010 for WBBM CBS 2 Chicago and online at http://cbs2chicago.com/local/Someone.You.Should.2.1523924.html.

Moasic

The center of the mural contains a disk with the DaVinci man inside. The tiles of the radiating border around the DaVinci Man represent the value of the individual in the community. The students, faculty, administration, staff, Board of Education and 50th Anniversary Committee created these tiles. These tiles contain images, impressions, symbols, reliefs, textures, etc. that represent the individual creating the tile.

If you would like to be involved and create a tile for the mural, you can do any of the following…

• e-mail me at smachaj at ridgenet dot org and ask to take a tile home to work on – I will place a tile, a couple tools, extra clay and directions in your mailbox to take home,
• make your tile during the same time you bring your study hall class to the art room (Room 118),
• come to the art room (Room 118) during your prep period to work on it (except for 8th period because I’m in the Mac Lab),
• come after school on Thursdays to work on it (I have Art Club until 5:00 PM on Thursdays),
• or contact me if you have an alternative idea.

Village President Ronald Oppedisano issued the proclamation during the September 9, 2009 regular village board meeting to honor the 50th anniversary of the school.

The proclamation states ground breaking for the school occurred on September 5, 1959 and its doors opened on September 15, 1960.

The items listed on the proclamation include the school instilling the desire to succeed in all of its students, installing a Wall of Fame recognizing important contributions from graduates -- which also inspires current students and a magazine article recognizing the school's forward-thinking approach to education.

School Board of Education member Daniel Romito, who was at the board meeting when the proclamation was read, expressed his appreciation.

"On behalf of Ridgewood High School, our administration and the staff and these students that we appreciate what you have done here tonight and the support that we always get from the trustees and from the president of Norridge," he said.

A motion to concur with the proclamation was passed by all six trustees.

Article written by Craig A. Whitney on Friday, September 11, 2009 for the Pioneer Press Norridge and Harwood Heights News and online at http://www.pioneerlocal.com/norridge/news/1769836,norridge-rhsproc-091709-s1.article.

WHEREAS, Norridge recognizes that quality education is critical for the future not only of a free and democratic society but also of the Village itself; and

WHEREAS, after a vigorous campaign by many residents, including our own Myron Petrakis, Ridgewood High School District 234 achieved a winning vote total on 12 July 1958, broke ground on 05 September 1959, and opened its doors to its first students on 15 September 1960; and

WHEREAS, Ridgewood High School has spent the intervening years being dedicated to serving the youth in our community; and

WHEREAS, Ridgewood High School instills in all of its students the desire to succeed in their future endeavors by truly emphasizing that every student can learn and become a productive member of society; and

WHEREAS, Ridgewood High School was featured in an article in Time Magazine which recognized their forward-thinking approach to education; and

WHEREAS, that approach inspired the residents of the communities it serves to vote that the school nickname be “Rebels,” as recognition in perpetuity; and

WHEREAS, the school itself has founded a Hall of Fame to recognize individual graduates who have made important contributions to their chosen fields and to the communities in which they reside, and to at the same time inspire current students with the examples of those achievements; and

WHEREAS, Ridgewood High School has committed itself as a resource for community activities and serves as a focal point of everyday life; and

WHEREAS, Ridgewood High School, in partnership with parents and the local communities, has nurtured productive and compassionate citizens for five decades; and

WHEREAS, the 2009-2010 school year is Ridgewood High School’s 50th year of service.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ronald A. Oppedisano, President of the Village of Norridge, in concert with the Village Board, do hereby congratulate Ridgewood High School on all of its achievements, and declare 15 September 2009 “Ridgewood High School Day” in the Village of Norridge.

Ronald A. Oppedisano, President
Judith Dunne Bernardi, Village Clerk
09 September 2009