Iola artist gets his day

Local artist Gary Hawk was the man of the hour Saturday night during the Allen County Historical Society’s annual dinner and meeting.
Gary Hawk was inducted into the society as a famous Allen Countian, while also having Oct. 13 officially named “Gary Hawk Day” in his honor by Iola Mayor Bill Shirley. The meeting, held in the North Community Building, was at near-full capacity to recognize Hawk.
Nic Lohman, society board member, served as emcee for the evening. Hawk, a guest of honor sitting at the front of the room with his wife and three daughters, looked on as a short film titled “The Making of an Artist: Gary Hawk,” was presented. The film chronicled Hawk’s life, through his childhood, professional career with numerous marketing firms and corporations, and then finally his career as a professional artist.
Following the film, the audience directed questions to the guest of honor and also gave personal insights. There was no shortage of comments on Hawk’s character, ethics and quality as a person. Hawk, who is turning 80 this year, said he has learned to “count his blessings” and appreciate the opportunities he has been given.
Each of Hawk’s daughters spoke about their relationship with their father and how their lives have been positively affected by his work. The evening concluded with Mayor Bill Shirley making a surprise presentation — naming the day in Hawk’s honor.
Hawk said Allen County, the historical society and Iola all have played an essential role in his success over the years.
“I know one thing for sure,” Hawk said. “None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for Iola.”
Hawk’s paintings have received significant attention since he devoted his full attention to his work in the ’70s — being displayed in the Reagan Library in Washington D.C., on the cover of Kansas magazine, and through the advertising and marketing of numerous companies’ packaging and retail items.
The meeting was also an opportunity to introduce new executive director of the society, Elyssa Jackson. Jackson took a few minutes to tell the audience about her life and motivations for coming to work in Iola.