JON HAIR

Get ready for something fun and different at our May meeting. Instead of our usual lecture/demonstration, members are invited to a reception at the new 7,000-square foot Jon Hair Studio of Fine Art in Cornelius.

Jon Hair, an accomplished sculptor and Art League member, has agreed to host the event Sunday, May 6, at 4 p.m. We’ll celebrate the successful run of our 2007 Spring Show and recognize volunteers for their contributions to the League this year.

Besides a chance to catch up with fellow league members, the event will offer refreshments and studio tours. 

Ever seen how a monumental sculpture is made? At Jon’s studio you’ll be able to see 20-foot sculptures in process. During a recent visit, we saw a pair of large lions, as well as a great eagle.

Jon recently joined the Lake Norman Art League, and was a judge for our spring show, along with Charlotte artist Elizabeth Ross.  He is An Official Sculptor of the U.S. Olympic Team, for which he has created a series of sculptures of athletes. His other works of historical figures, soaring eagles, mythological characters and majestic animals are in collections nationwide.

Jon took up sculpting about 10 years ago after a long career as an advertising art director and designer. In recent years, he has begun receiving high-profile commissions from universities, businesses and other clients, such as the U.S. Olympic Committee.

In a recent interview, he said he hopes others will be inspired by his example to pursue art even if they’re no longer young.  “A lot of peole out there have raised a family, met their obligations, but never really gotten to do what they wanted to do. It’s never too late,” he said.

 “I love art and I want to encourage people that have artistic ambition and drive to pursue that,” he said.

His work can be seen here in Davidson, where two sculptures of women athletes are installed near the field hockey and lacrosse field at Davidson College. Outside his studio is a towering 24-foot sculpture of Capt. Christopher Newport, one of the founders of Jamestown. It’s destined for Jamestown later this year.  Other work is at the Air Force Academy and U.S. Olympic Training Center, both in Colorado; and at colleges and universities around the country.