John Hoover (artist) facts for kids

John Hoover (born October 13, 1919 – died September 3, 2011) was a talented American artist. He was famous for creating modern art. His unique sculptures were inspired by the rich traditions of Native Alaskan people.

Who Was John Hoover?

John Hoover was born in Cordova, Alaska. His father was Dutch, and his mother was Aleut-Russian. Growing up, he worked in different jobs. He was a ski instructor and also a commercial fisherman.

How He Became an Artist

John Hoover's journey into art was quite interesting. He once designed and built his own fishing boat. He felt that building the boat was like creating a sculpture. This experience made him realize his passion for art. After that, he decided to become a full-time artist.

His Amazing Artworks

John Hoover's art became very well-known. His sculptures were shown all around the world. You can find many of his important artworks in buildings in Anchorage, Alaska. These places include the William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center, the Alaska Native Medical Center, and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

Honored for His Work

People recognized John Hoover's incredible talent. In 2002, the Anchorage Museum held a special show of his art. This type of show is called a retrospective. It looks back at an artist's entire career. In May 2011, he received an honorary doctorate degree. This special award came from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

John Hoover passed away at his home in Washington state on September 3, 2011. He was 91 years old. His art continues to inspire many people today.