My friend Fred Hunt, Master Artist, just turned 81

My buddy Fred Hunt turned 81 this week. And last night all his friends came out to celebrate.

Two great Grove photographers caught him at his best. At the party last night in the Windisch-Hunt Gallery, Don Kesler got these great shots of Fred being toasted by friends. And below you can see a great shot that photographer Dan Littlejohn got of Fred through the gallery's front window, during one of Fred's breaks.

Fred is the oldest living producing artist in the Grove. He is known as the artist's artist, and has been named a Master Artist.

He is known to share supplies, give advice when asked and nurtures budding artists. He lost his studio thanks to Hurricane Wilma a few years ago, and now the gallery is is place of work, but I think that was a blessing in disguise, because he is so alive in the gallery every day doing his thing while meeting many admirers who stop in to watch him work.

Many times I see him so enveloped in his own little painting world that I don't say anything, so as not to disturb him. I just enter the gallery and leave without saying a word. He doesn't even see me. Other times he yells out a big loud, "Tom!" making me feel welcome and at home.

He's funny and great to talk to. He has so many stories to tell and he likes to joke around a lot. Children are drawn to him. Many times they run right up to him to watch him as he is painting. They literally surround him in awe.

I would see Vincent, the dancer, at Fred's side very often -- for hours. They would have such nice little quiet moments together, chatting as Fred worked. I thought Vincent was an art student soaking up Fred's knowledge, but it just turned out that they were just friends enjoying each other's company.

While AnnaMaria and I would be running here and there and doing all of our crazy things all over the Village, Fred could be found creating his art and just enjoying the quiet. Well not always quiet, Fred likes to paint to classical music, so when you enter the gallery, you hear that in the background very often.


That's a funny thing: The gallery always has something going on. There are art classes, dancing glasses, meditation classes, parties, fundraisers, friends having tea or coffee, local meetings, people sitting around creating things, school tours, you name it; there is always some activity going on -- never a dull moment. And through it all, Fred partakes in the antics and yet manages to be creative and paint every single day. He is very disciplined.

An interesting fact about Fred: One of his earliest jobs, right out of Ringling School of Art, is the well known logo still in use on the Little Debbie snack-cake boxes.

Anyone is welcome to come by the Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) and see the master at work. You'll actually see the creative process going on daily. Stop by any time. In fact, I think if you don't come by and partake of the culture, you are missing something great.