Indiana Native and Classical Composer Becomes Head of Artists' Guild

A new executive director has arrived at the in Clayton by way of Indianapolis.

Dr. Michael Hunt, an Indiana native and former composer whose works have been performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and St. Louis Symphony, has returned to St. Louis after serving the Fine Arts Society of Indianapolis for six years. Born in 1945, Hunt obtained his Ph.D. in music composition from Washington University in 1974. He has worked as a composer in residence at and as a program administrator for the Missouri Arts Council and the .

His broad background in the arts and nonprofit organization management, as well as his familiarity with the St. Louis area, made Hunt an attractive candidate following the in December.

In a March 23 news release from the Artists' Guild, Board of Governors member Mark Earker praised Hunt's skills, positive attitude and understanding of the Guild's short- and long-term needs.

"The Artists' Guild is looking to take the next step to become a more professional organization," Hunt said. "I love coming in and helping people to solve problems to move to the next step."

Executive board secretary Shirley Schermer said in a statement that Hunt will be "a tremendous asset" to the Guild.

"His diverse experience in organization work, as well as his background in the non-profit field, plus his demeanor, people skills, and wonderful sense of humor ensures that Michael is ready to lead the Artists’ Guild to the next level," Schermer stated.

The next step for Hunt will involve seeking new avenues of income for the Artists' Guild. He has proposed expanding the Guild's visibility and advertising the historic space as a venue to rent for weddings and other gatherings.

"I would like to see more efforts put into publicity and marketing to draw more people to the Artists' Guild," he said. "I want people to see the beautiful building we have here. It is available for parties, and I think it's underutilized."

Part of the Guild's future publicity efforts might go toward obtaining a booth at local bridal conventions and art fairs.

Hunt might even establish a mascot for the Guild.

At the Fine Arts Society of Indianapolis, Hunt staged a public stunt in which the society's mascots, The Flying Composers—two men dressed as the Blues Brothers along with Bach and Beethoven look-alikes—jumped out of an airplane at 5,000 feet to promote the FM classical music station.

In addition to providing a space for weddings, the Guild hosts classes on painting, photography, drawing, acrylics, oils and watercolor for children, beginning adults and professionals.

Hunt hopes to see a return to form for the Guild, which historically hosted events outside the realm of paintings, sculptures and prints.

"When it was founded in the late 1800s, it was not just visual arts, but it incorporated theater and other arts, sometimes music," Hunt said. "I would like to see some other arts events happening in this beautiful building. It would help attract people here to see the wonderful exhibits and figure out that we have classes."