Sculptor Richard Hunt Honored
As part of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court’s Black History Month celebrations, artist Richard Hunt was honored at a ceremony on Thursday, February 29, at Noon outside the Justice Center along West 3rd Street. Mr. Hunt died in December at the age of 88.
Hunt’s sculpture “Sentimental Scale & Wedge” was installed outside the Justice Center soon after it opened in 1976. “Sentimental Scale & Wedge” is two separate metal pieces: one is freestanding and upright evoking the scales of justice; the second is a horizontal rectangular piece sitting flush against the wall, which reflects the wedge that the justice system can sometimes drive between families and communities.
Speaking at the ceremony will be Administrative and Presiding Judge Brendan J. Sheehan, presented a proclamation honoring Hunt’s career. Also speaking was artist John Ranally of Cleveland’s Studio Foundry. Mr. Ranally knew and worked with Richard Hunt.
“We are pleased to shine a spotlight on this amazing piece of public art,” says Judge Sheehan. “I hope people who visit the Justice Center will take the time to stop and admire it in the days and years to come.”
Born in 1935, Hunt became "the foremost African-American abstract sculptor and artist of public sculpture." A descendant of enslaved peoples, Hunt created more than 160 public sculpture commissions and held more than 150 solo exhibitions in his seven-decades career. He is represented in more than 100 public museums across the globe and served on the Smithsonian Institution's National Board of Directors.
Former President Barack Obama called Richard Hunt “one of the greatest artists Chicago has ever produced."
