H- ARTISTS
Arthur Hammer
(1932-2012)
Arthur Hammer was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1932. He studied at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio; the American Academy of Dramatic Arts [AADA]; and the Art Students League in New York City. A painter for over 40 years, Hammer also has had an active career in theater. He moved from New York to Los Angeles in 1975, and returned to New York in 1980 to appear on Broadway in "Zoot Suit" at the Winter Garden Theatre. As he pursued a career in the theater, he has also participated in numerous group exhibitions at various galleries. His first solo show was at the Brian Hall Gallery in New York. Subsequent solo shows followed at the Catherine du Jardin Gallery in New York, the Marie Pellicone Galleries in both New York and East Hampton, and the Frank Gianetta Gallery in Philadelphia. A fire at the Gianetta Gallery in 1989 destroyed many of his works from this period. In the late 1980s Hammer decided to relinquish his acting career and devote himself entirely to painting. He opened his own gallery in New York featuring American paintings of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s - works from the W.P.A. in particular. His "Industrial Chess Set" was featured by the Industrial Design Department of the Museum of Modern Art alongside works by Max Ernst, Man Ray, and Alexander Calder. It can be seen in the book "Chess Sets" by F. Lanier Graham, published by Walker & Company. Arthur Hammer has acquired a large following over the past forty years, including some major figures in the entertainment industry. He has recently been in exhibitions at the Sheppard Gallery in Ellicott City, Maryland, BHNY Fine Art in New York, and the Woodstock Art Association. Arthur Hammer passed away March 29th, 2012 in Cohoes, NY.
