Mac Hornecker

Mac Hornecker was a notable sculptor and teacher working throughout the Midwest. He was best known for his large scale public sculptures, created with the surrounding nature foremost in mind. As a sculptor and artist he was extremely versatile, working in various materials, but most often turning to welded steel, ferroconcrete, and wood to make his sculptures. It was the natural formations and topography that dictated the design of the sculpture and he was most interested in how his art reflected the water, trees, and rocks that were within the landscape or viewable from an interior placement. He brought ideas of natural movement into his sculptures by depicting the gusts of wind that would sweep across the land or the current of a river. Hornecker received his B.F.A. in sculpture from the Kansas City Art Institute and an M.F.A. in sculpture from the University of Oklahoma. He began teaching at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa in 1971 until his retirement in 2001, but then continued teaching at Henderson State University in Arkansas until his untimely death. He also received an honorary doctorate from Buena Vista University. It was there where much of his impact has been felt as he began the printmaking and graphic design programs, but also as an inspiring teacher who taught confidence along with skill to many young artists. Hornecker has had major commissions for public works of art throughout the Midwest and his art is included in many collections, including the State of Iowa Capital and various universities in the region. Hornecker sought to create monumental art that had a permanence within its location, working in conjunction with the natural surroundings in beautiful and inventive ways.