Sculpt Like Hunt and Perkins: A Creative Sculpting Workshop

This workshop highlights the accomplishments of Black Chicago sculptors with a spotlight on Richard Hunt and Marion Perkins. Hunt, a world-renowned sculptor and printmaker born in Chicago’s Woodlawn community and raised in Englewood, became one of the leading 20th century American artists.
Event Details
Wed, Nov 18 • 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Chicago Public Library, Obama Presidential Center Branch
Admission
This event is free. Registration is required through the Chicago Public Library. Please note this event registration does not include Museum admission.
Register

Details

During his acclaimed 60-year career, Richard Hunt was a significant creator of public art in Chicago and across the U.S., with 160 public sculpture commissions in 24 states that included monuments of several notable figures.

Create your own mixed-media sculptures using clay, wire, cardboard, aluminum foil, and paint, inspired by Hunt’s abstract forms and his ability to transform metal into movement. Art activities may include:

  • Modular Sculptures: Using geometric shapes and layering to build height and form.

  • Figurative Abstractions: Inspired by Giacometti and Picasso, reflecting Hunt’s ability to mix realism with abstraction.

  • Community-Inspired Designs: Prompting participants to reflect on what their neighborhoods mean to them, much like Hunt did with his public installations.

This workshop encourages both creative expression and a deeper appreciation for one of Chicago’s most influential artists.

Learn more in CPL's archives! (Opens in a new tab)

Presented as part of the Renaissance Project, this event invites participants to actively engage with the rich and often untold stories of Black history and heritage at Chicago Public Library. This program is led by artist Joy Joshua.

This program is made possible with support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to the Chicago Public Library Foundation.

Accessibility

Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org (Opens in a new tab) to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Plan Your Visit

Chicago Public Library, Obama Presidential Center Branch

Libraries are the beating heart of a strong democratic culture. Here we welcome local residents, scholars, and visitors from around the world to connect, reflect, and act. The Obama Presidential Center campus features a new branch of the Chicago Public Library that celebrates the rich history of Chicago’s public libraries and the powerful legacy of the Obamas. The Library Branch includes a YOUMedia Suite, a City Maker’s Space, a Children’s Area, and the exclusive President’s Reading Room, a collection of written works that reflect the interests, histories, and readings of President and Mrs. Obama. Mon & Wed 12 - 8 p.m. CT Tues & Thur 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. CT Fri & Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT Sun 1 -5 p.m. CT

Good to Know

Explore helpful resources regarding transportation, accessibility services, and on-site amenities before you arrive.