By Katie Potzick

The University of Louisville has always been a patron of the arts, and this fall they are getting the chance to exhibit one of the premier artists of the century; Frederick Hart.

The exhibit is entitled “Frederick Hart: Giving Form to Spirit” and is going to be the largest retrospective of his art, showcasing several hundred of his sculptures.

Hart is considered one of America’s greatest figurative sculptors since Daniel Chester French (who sculpted the Abraham Lincoln statue at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.) and some art historians have even gone as far as to say that Hart was responsible for restoring an iconology worthy of a great nation to American public monuments and memorials.

“Art should embrace things of vital human concern… that can stand as icons for future generations,” Hart stated in an interview with American Arts Quarterly magazine back in 1996. “Ex Nihilo,” which graces the façade of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and the “Three Soldiers” sculpture at the Vietnam Memorial in D.C. are two examples of Hart’s work that have become such icons.

The show which starts on September 6th will run through November and the pieces will be proudly displayed downtown and on campus at Grawemeyer Hall, Ekstrom Library, the Hite Art Institute, and the Cressman Center.

Hart’s artwork is masterfully crafted and can be found throughout the U.S. most notably at the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial and gracing the Washington National Cathedral in Washington D.C. Over his illustrious career, Hart won many awards including the prestigious Presidential Design Excellence Award.

President of the University, James Ramsey, is particularly keen to welcome the exhibit stating, “The University is excited to bring to Louisville the largest exhibit of works by this true American genius. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” “Giving Form to Spirit” is going to be a multi-faceted experience, which will include orators, the sculptures of course, and act as a theme for music, fine arts, and athletic programs in the fall.

There is already an eager buzz among students on campus familiar with Hart’s work and those who are just excited to see U of L getting some culture.

Graduate student and Religious studies major Nichole Burruss is planning on viewing the exhibit with her Religion and Culture class. She says” I am particularly looking forward to seeing the religious aspects in Hart’s art, he’s known for his crucifixes and did an amazing set of creation sculptures.”

History major Sarah Jane Bodell is also planning on checking out the exhibit, “I’ve seen Hart’s work in Washington, he’s amazing,” Bodell said, “I think they should continue bringing in work of his caliber, it will really help promote an appreciation for art on campus.”

Art appreciation was a theme that Hart encouraged during his lifetime. “We are on the threshold of a great rebirth of art. That rebirth must begin by rediscovering and renewing the discarded axioms and forgotten standards of past art-such as that ancient trinity of beauty, truth and goodness,” Hart said in American Arts Quarterly.

“I would like to see a truly deserved adulation for those who have achieved the highest levels of excellence in their ability to create art which deeply moves their fellow man to revere and reflect upon the greatness, splendor, and the beauty of nature, of God and of man.”

“Frederick Hart: Giving Form to Spirit” is anticipated by many students and faculty members and is sure to be one of this fall’s major highlights at U of L, and for those participating in the exhibit, a chance to appreciate an artist Hart’s caliber.