Celebrating Artistic Legacy: Loyola University Pays Tribute to Renowned Chicago Sculptor Richard Hunt

Richard Hunt’s artwork includes over 160 public sculptures found across the United States. One of his notable pieces, “Eagle Columns,” is located in Jonquil Park in Chicago. This exhibit marks the first major showcase of his work since his passing, highlighting his deep connection to social and political themes in art.

Hunt grew up in Englewood and studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago during a turbulent time in history. The murder of Emmett Till deeply affected him. Hunt attended Till’s open-casket funeral, an event that sparked his passion for addressing societal issues through art.

The exhibit, titled “Freedom in Form: Richard Hunt,” is curated by Ross Stanton Jordan. It begins with “Hero’s Head,” a sculpture Hunt created at just 19 years old in his father’s basement. This piece reflects his response to violence in his community, merging personal and political narratives.

The exhibit officially opens on July 11 at the Loyola University Museum of Art after starting at the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum in Springfield. Lance Tawzer, the director of exhibits at the Lincoln Library, noted the importance of bringing this collection home to Chicago, Hunt’s hometown.

Hunt gained international recognition over the years, even being commissioned to create a piece for the Obama Presidential Center. The exhibit features a tribute to Emmett Till, with pieces dedicated to him displayed together for the first time.

This showcase of Hunt’s work underscores the enduring impact of art in reflecting and shaping cultural conversations. The exhibit will run through November 2025, inviting viewers to engage with rich historical narratives and personal stories woven into Hunt’s sculptures.



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