The Re-Creation of the Frederick Hart Studio

Gain first-hand insight into the inspiration and creative process that was the foundation for sculptor Frederick Hart’s (1943-1999) significant contribution to the changing tides of art in the last half of the twentieth century. The Frederick Hart Studio Museum is a tribute to Hart’s enduring influence in the movement to reinvest art with meaning and purpose.

Walk among artworks in various stages of development—nascent sketches in clay, preliminary models, and finished plasters. Puzzle over arrays of sculpting tools to imagine a sculptural masterwork emerging from the clay stored in a large metal drum. Peruse Hart’s books, photographs, and personal papers as they were on his desk in the office of the Virginia studio. Awaiting you is a unique experience of what some have described as a sacred space.

Among the works on view in the museum:

• Working model in plaster of Ex Nihilo. The full-size work, in Indiana limestone, Washington National Cathedral, Washington D.C.
• Clay and plaster maquettes for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Three Soldiers, full-size work completed in bronze, Washington D.C.
• Full-size plaster models for commissioned bronzes of President Jimmy Carter; Senator Richard Russell; James Webb, NASA administrator; and The Herald, Newington Cropsey Foundation and Cultural Studies Center.
• Full -size plaster model of Daughters of Odessa, bronze. An editioned work presented to HRH Charles, Prince of Wales, Highgrove House, Gloucestershire, England.
• Prototypes for cast clear acrylic resin sculptures known for groundbreaking innovation in materials and sculptural concept.

On display in the atrium of the Lila D. Bunch Library

• Creation Sculptures, maquettes: Creation of Day, Ex Nihilo, Creation of Night, plaster.
• Christ Rising; Adam, maquette; Ex Nihilo: Fragments Nos 4,7,