Artist spotlight: Hunt Slonem

It’s a daily privilege to work in the gallery where we’re surrounded by artwork created by nationally-known artists. Our current show, Not Your Muse , features local artist Whitney Warne from right here in Des Moines to Logan Ledfordbased in New Orleans.

The gallery maintains a roster of emerging and mid-career artists focusing on introducing international artists to Iowa and the wider Midwest market. One artist’s work we were particularly excited to bring to Des Moines is Hunt Slonem. Globally, more than 100 museums include his work in their collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. By including his work in the gallery, we hope to heighten Des Moines’ international art notice for both local and international collectors.

Of our represented artists, Hunt is one of the most developed in his career. Beyond his inclusion at internationally-awarded museums, there are a handful of celebrities that are collectors of his artwork. Most known for his bunnies and tropical birds, his clientele includes Kris Jenner , Julianne Moore and the Clintons. Earlier this year, he was also featured on Real Housewives of New York—one of the characters is a big fan of his. In the episode , you’ll see how Hunt has translated his bunny paintings into an original suit design for himself!

Hunt has been painting his infamous bunnies since the 1970s, but his addition of “diamond dust” is a newer addition to his creation process. We often get asked, “Is it real diamond?” No, it’s not real diamond dust, but it’s a fine glass that makes the oil paintings sparkle!

Each one of his paintings includes a vintage frame that he sourced himself, which adds to the story and originality of the piece.

His bunny pattern is more recognizable than ever now as it’s been made into a wallpaper, pillow cover, curtains and more. As we’ve worked with Hunt, his team and his artwork, we’re excited to see his work only increase in value. We feel so fortunate to include his work in the gallery and to be able to share his story with Des Moines and beyond.