Join the Smart Museum of Art for a special afternoon screening and celebration of sculptor Richard Hunt.

Meet the artist as he helps introduce The Light of Truth: Richard Hunt’s Monument for Ida B. Wells, a feature documentary film by Rana Segal. Hunt’s monument in bronze to journalist Ida B. Wells was unveiled in Bronzeville in 2021. Following the screening, view select works by Hunt from the Smart’s collection and continue the conversation over a slice of cake in honor of the artist’s upcoming 88th birthday.

FREE. Registration has closed. Walk-ins will be welcome as space allows.

About the film

The Light of Truth: Richard Hunt's Monument for Ida B. Wells is a 60 minute documentary about the creation of The Ida B. Wells National Monument by renowned Chicago sculptor Richard Hunt honoring civil rights activist, journalist and suffragist Ida B. Wells. The film weaves together Hunt’s life and fabrication of the monument with the story of Wells’ heroic fight for justice. The sculpture takes its name “The Light of Truth” from a quote by Ida B. Wells-Barnett, “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”  We learn what motivated her to become the woman who fought for truth and justice leading the way and shining the light for the rest of us to follow. It was unveiled in 2021 by The Ida B. Wells Commemorative Art Committee.

About the artist

Born in Chicago on September 12, 1935, Richard Hunt is one of the most important sculptors this nation has produced. His prolific art career spanned nearly seven decades. Hunt's metal sculpture is notable for its widespread presence in museum collections and many public monuments installed across the U.S. Despite challenges for African-American artists during his lifetime, Hunt held over 150 solo exhibitions and is represented in more than 100 public museums across the globe. Hunt made the largest contribution to public art in the United States, with more than 150 public sculpture commissions gracing prominent locations in 24 states and Washington, D.C. Read the artist’s full biography »