Katherine M. Schneider Contributes to Book "Art Is a Powerful Language: Willard Hirsch The Man-The Artist"

"Art is a Powerful Language" compiled by Jane Hirsch
displayed with terra cotta bas-relief sculpture of
Katherine Muschick Schneider
by Willard Hirsch

I was honored to contribute to a new book about Willard Hirsch (1905-1982)  "Art Is a Powerful Language : Willard Hirsch -The Man, The Artist". 

The book, published in conjunction with  retrospective exhibitions at the Gibbs Museum of Art (Sept 21-Dec.30,2012) and Brookgreen Gardens  ( Jan 26-April 21,2013), is a compilation by Jane Hirsch of essays and photographs of her father's life and works spanning 50 years. 

Angela D. Mack, Executive Director of the Gibbs Museum of Art has this to say about the book : "Art Is a Powerful Language is a much-overdue account of Willard Hirsch. His sculptures have long been part of the artistic landscape of this region, but until now little has been written about his training, career, and influence. Along with William Halsey and Corrie McCallum, Hirsch dominated artistic production in Charleston after World War II. He Became part of a long tradition of area art instruction that has led to what many refer to today as a second Charleston renaissance."

Katherine Schneider in her  studio
attaching Hirsch L hinges to  plaster cast mold
circa 1979

I was one of many young regional artists who benefited from Mr.Hirsch's training and instruction. He taught me the value of working from life, often using inventions of his own in the creation of artwork.  I feel fortunate to have known and worked with him in his Queen St. studio in the 1970's.

Willard Hirsch (1980) working in his
studio at 2 Queen St Chas SC.

Even at this late stage of his career, Mr. Hirsch was actively working on numerous public and private projects. He was a man of sharp wit, firm standards, and great integrity.  As this book documents, his work displays a depth and breath of creative ingenuity rarely seen.

"Art Is a Powerful Language : Willard Hirsch- The Man, The Artist" is available from the publisher Home House Press at www.homehousepress.org and the Gibbs Museum of Art www.gibbsmuseum.org.