Fred W. Hunt
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Fred W. Hunt is a native Floridian of Cherokee descent. He paints the flora of South Florida in watercolors, and is also a sculptor. Fred also paints in oils and is considered a Regional Treasure of South Florida.
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[edit] Life background
Fred W. Hunt was born in Tampa, Florida on March 7, 1928. He worked alongside his Cherokee grandfather who was a stone cutter. He attended the Ringling School of Art thanks to the GI bill where his instructors were some of Robert Henri's students.
[edit] Career
In 1972 he established his studio in Coconut Grove and exhibited at the then newly established Coconut Grove Art Festival.
Fred Hunt belonged to the original Grove House and served on the board of the One Ear Society. He has had his images reproduced internationally (his Tropical Spray and Ginger Blossom are recognized worldwide). In 2005 Fred received "Miami Master" status from the Mayor's office along with Purvis Young. Fred's work has appeared in numerous publications worldwide. He is best known for his brilliant watercolors, a 10 foot long example is hanging at the University of Miami.
[edit] Main works
His largest mural spans 65 feet and can be seen at the Coral Gables campus of the University of Miami (an early collector of his work). He was approached at Art Miami by the Embassy Curator to produce a work of art for the 2000 Millennium Project when the U.S. gave back the Panama Canal to its people. Titled "The Way it Was", it is a diptych 8 foot wide and 6 ft high. His work also graces the Royal Caribbean and Sandals Resort.
[edit] The artist
Now entering his 80th year he still wears flip flops and his signature Panama hat covering his silver pony tail. In 2005 Fred lost his studio due to hurricane Wilma. He then faced a diagnosis of cancer and had to put aside his painting while he received treatment. The chemotherapy caused a temporary loss of feeling in his hands and skewed his perception of color. Now well along in his recovery, Fred's work is even more driven and passionate. "He paints every day and is impossible to live with if he is away from the easel more than 24 hours" said his muse and model, AnnaMaria.
Fred is one of the latest artists to visit Woodstock and has set up his studio at the new TALEO Arts Center. Michael Brody (director/owner of TALEO) welcomes Fred from South Florida. "Fred has a wonderful style that caught my eye immediately. I've loved his art for years and am happy I could bring him here to the area."
