Councilmember Sonia Harvey (right) stands with JoAnn and Jesse Kaminsky while reading the text of a resolution honoring Hank Kaminsky, a longtime Fayetteville artist who passed away in March. (Flyer photo, Todd Gill)City lawmakers this week took some time to honor the life and legacy of one of Fayetteville’s most notable artists.
Councilmembers on Tuesday voted 8-0 to pass a resolution recognizing and honoring the late Hank Kaminsky for his significant contributions to the Fayetteville community over the course of his life.
Kaminsky, who died March 13 at age 83, left a 60-year career mark that included art ranging from sand-cast jewelry, portrait busts and large-scale sculptures using clay, bronze and other metals.
At least two of Kaminsky’s works found homes on city property, including the World Peace Prayer Fountain and a memorial bust of Senator J. William Fulbright, both on the downtown square.
Kaminsky’s signature fountain piece is a 10-foot diameter bronze sphere hand-sculpted with the words “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in more than 100 languages in relief on the surface. The work was commissioned by Ed and Carlee Bradberry, and completed in 2002, and still resides next to the entrance of the Fayetteville Town Center.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Kaminsky moved to Arkansas in 1971 to live and work in Eureka Springs, before moving to Fayetteville in the early 1980s. The majority of his work focused on universal themes, such as finding world peace and discovering the secrets of life. In addition to his own work, Kaminsky was a teacher and mentor to countless students and apprentices over the years.
Hank Kaminksy (Video still from “Hank Kaminsky” by Jenn Gerber/Historic Arkansas Museum)Kaminksy was selected as an Arkansas Living Treasure by the Arkansas Arts Council in 2018. His work has been featured in hundreds of juried exhibitions and craft shows, both nationally and internationally, and can be found in private collections throughout the United States.
Tuesday’s honoring was brought forward by Councilmember Sonia Harvey, who stood alongside Hank’s wife JoAnn and son Jesse while reading the text of the resolution, which is included below:
A RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HANK KAMINSKY
WHEREAS, the City of Fayetteville and the art world lost a valued resident and sculptor on March 13, 2023, with the death of Hank Kaminsky; and
WHEREAS; in a career spanning more than 60 years, Hank created works of art ranging from sand-cast jewelry to portrait busts to large sculptures; and
WHEREAS, among the myriad artworks crafted by Hank using clay, bronze, and other exquisite metals, at least two notable creations have found their home on City property; and
WHEREAS, the World Peace Prayer Fountain, a globe-shaped, bronze sculpture that is 10-feet in diameter inscribed with the words, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” in over 100 languages, was commissioned by Ed and Carlee Bradberry and visitors from all over the world still enjoy the piece that can be found off the Fayetteville Square at the entrance to the Town Center; and
WHEREAS, Senator J. William Fulbright sat for Hank to create the bronze cast memorial portrait bust that is installed among the beautiful gardens of the Fayetteville Square; and
WHEREAS, Hank proudly served six years as a dedicated inaugural member of the Fayetteville Arts Council; and
WHEREAS, throughout his career, Hank served our community as a teacher and mentor to countless students and apprentices; and
WHEREAS, among his many honors, he was selected as the 2018 Arkansas Living Treasure by the Arkansas Arts Council; and
WHEREAS, Hank was a 10-year member of the Fayetteville Farmers Market, including serving as a market board member; and
WHEREAS, Hank was an artist, teacher, mentor, public servant, husband, and father whose contributions have made an indelible mark on the City of Fayetteville.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby recognizes and honors the significant contributions of Hank Kaminsky to the Fayetteville community over the course of his life.
