Gary Hawk’s contributions to the world of art are well known in these parts.
He’s gained international renown for his paintings, many of which prominently feature Iola and Allen County.
What may not be as well known are Hawk’s inventions.
He designed boats for the old IMP plant when it was open in Iola in the 1970s. Prior to that, Hawk designed Hallmark cards.
He also invented a clothes hanger built especially for cars, extending from one side of the vehicle to the other. He also provided designs for assorted B-52 parts for Boeing and designs for Coleman lanterns.
“I made a couple thousand dollars for my cap hanger,” he said, “while another guy became a millionaire. I guess he had better lawyers.”
The cap hanger, a number of Hawk’s paintings and other assorted photos and Hawk memorabilia are on display at the Allen County Historical Society Museum.
The display will be open until the ACHS annual meeting and dinner Oct. 13, at which time Hawk’s permanent place in the museum’s “Famous Allen Countians” exhibit is unveiled.
There he’ll be featured along with the likes of Walter Johnson, Frederick Funston, Debra Barnes Snodgrass and Johnny Adams.
“Quite a group,” Hawk said modestly. “I about fell off my chair when they told me I’d be put in here.”
HAWK’S paintings of iconic images of Iola’s yesteryear scenes have made his talent commonplace locally.
His most famous piece, a print of Milburn Stone, who portrayed Doc on the television show “Gunsmoke,” led to Hawk being invited to meet Ronald Reagan shortly before Reagan’s election as president.
More than 20 years later, Hawk was invited to Washington, D.C., to meet President George W. Bush and wife Laura when Hawk’s Christmas ornament painting of the White House was placed on the official White House Christmas Tree.
Former Gov. John Carlin was so enamored with Hawk’s artistry that he requested pieces be put on display at Cedar Crest in Topeka, the governor’s official residence.
Hawk also was featured in a one-man show at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and at Harrod’s in London. He was Kansas’ Artist of the Year in 1988.
