Artist Homer Hacker dies at 96

One of my artist heroes passed away on December 20, 2013. I admired his watercolors and acrylic paintings.

Homer O. Hacker  WC  The Clan Chief

I met Homer at The Middletown Arts Center (MAC) in 2007. The center was housing a family exhibit of Homer, his sons, granddaughter and grandson's work.  I went with my parents to the opening of this exhibit because my father, Norman Leist, knew Homer from the golf course where he worked (at that time) and from dad's uncle Jim Harlan. Uncle Jim was a photographer for Homer at the Dayton Daily news. 

I was thrilled at meeting this fascinating man and seeing his work up close. He has a illustrative background that shows in his style, but his watercolors flowed so
effortlessly. 

I ran into Homer at the MAC when he had come to see the traveling exhibit of the 2010 American Watercolor Society. We had a lovely conversation about the art and family. I was privileged to have gotten into a MAC Annual show when Homer was the guest judge. I was so honored.

My dad kept me updated when he saw or heard about Homer as their paths no longer crossed at the golf course. We recently spoke how he was visiting a friend a a local retirement village/healthcare facility and found out that Homer was a patron. Then he emailed me the following information and I now pass it onto you.

If you have not heard of Homer O. Hacker, I encourage you to google him and his work. 

Rest In Peace, Mr. Hacker, A.W.S.  
 

My painting of Homer, age 88   WC  2013

 
Your admirer,                       
Gaylynn

Homer Hacker

By Meredith Moss

Staff Writer, Dayton Daily News

Artist Homer Hacker, dubbed a “Dayton Treasure” by the Dayton Art Institute when his work was featured in the museum’s cafe two years ago, died at his home in Centerville on Dec. 20 at the age of 96.

“Homer Hacker was a highly accomplished practitioner of the watercolor medium, an artist whose work was much-admired for its technical skills, effective compositions, and appealing subjects,” said Carol Nathanson, professor emeritus of art history at Wright State University. “The paintings he created reflected his love of nature and close observation of the visible world.”

The Dayton native held leadership roles in both national and regional art organizations and throughout the years had more than 30 one-man shows in museums and galleries across the country. He was awarded the Montgomery County Cultural Arts District Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, received the Elizabeth Callan medal in 2009 at the American Watercolor International Exhibition, and was presented with the Jim Brower Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ohio Watercolor Society in 2013.

Hacker was elected a signature member of the American Watercolor Society and served as its historian. He was president of the Western Ohio Watercolor Society, co-founded Art Center, Dayton, helped establish Kettering’s Rosewood Gallery, and was a charter member and president of the Ohio Watercolor Society.

The Roosevelt High School graduate studied art at the Dayton Art Institute and graduated cum laude from Ohio University. His varied career included 22 years at the Dayton Daily News where he served as art director/chief photographer and promotion manager. He also worked as director of creative services and special events at Top Value Enterprises.

An exhibit of his work and gathering of friends and family will be held in the Gothic Cloister of the DAI from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, January 31.

“Hack was associated with the museum from the time he was a teenager until his death,” said the DAI’s director of engagement, Jane Black. “He was one of the most positive thinking, community-minded artists in this area.”

A memorial service for Hacker will be held at Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church in Kettering at 10 a.m. on Feb. 1.

“Hack was associated with the museum from the time he was a teenager until his death,” said the DAI’s director of engagement, Jane Black. “He was one of the most positive thinking, community-minded artists in this area.”

A memorial service for Hacker will be held at Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church in Kettering at 10 a.m. on Feb. 1.