Brian Hanlon

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Brian Hanlon is a classically trained master sculptor and founder of Hanlon Sculpture Studio.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hanlonsculpture.com/about/|title=About}} He has created over 550 public and private art pieces since 1987. Hanlon is a nationally acclaimed artist from Toms River, New Jersey, specializing in commissioned larger-than-life-size, to-scale bronze sculptures, reliefs, trophies, plaques and awards. He is known for developing a distinguishable style of movement in contemporary American realism sculpture.

In 2015, [https://www.hoophall.com/index.php/events/enshrinement-old/about-our-sponsors/hanlon-studios Hanlon was named] the Official Sculptor of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame,{{cite news|url=http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-1/Saints-Unveil-%E2%80%9CRebirth%E2%80%9D-Sculpture-of-Likeness-of-Steve-Gleason/74d7814d-8c1a-47d6-b0b0-94ff1b26a2a0|title=Saints Unveil "Rebirth" Sculpture of Likeness of Steve Gleason|access-date=2013-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905092017/http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-1/Saints-Unveil-%E2%80%9CRebirth%E2%80%9D-Sculpture-of-Likeness-of-Steve-Gleason/74d7814d-8c1a-47d6-b0b0-94ff1b26a2a0|archive-date=2012-09-05|url-status=dead}} and in 2018 Hanlon was named the Official Sculptor of the Rose Bowl Stadium.

Hanlon has received national and local awards and commendations for his commissions, which primarily encompass the civic, historic and athletic sectors.

On January 16, 2018, Hanlon was named the "Sports Rodin", a reference to French sculptor Auguste Rodin, in the feature story "[https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/16/sports/sports-statues-sculptor.html Sports Rodin Works in Bronze]" by The New York Times. In 2018, the Smithsonian American Art Museum began including Hanlon's monuments in its catalogue of contemporary American sculptors. He has been the subject of several news features, as well as a short documentary about his work that was created by Brad Nau and shown on Comcast SportsNet.{{cite news|url=http://www.app.com/article/20111106/NJNEWS/311060035/Toms-River-sculptor-Brian-Hanlon-creates-memorial-works-honor-celebratory-works}}{{cite news|url=http://www.app.com/VideoNetwork/1253227516001/Brian-Hanlon-Toms-River-Sculptor-11-1-11-}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/tempe/sculptor-plans-tribute-to-asu-student-killed-in-dragging-robbery/article_2fe7129c-f1bc-11df-9482-001cc4c002e0.html|title=Sculptor plans tribute to ASU student killed in dragging robbery|first=Mike Sakal|last=Tribune|website=East Valley Tribune|date=16 November 2010 }}{{cite news|url=http://americanprofile.com/articles/sculptor-brian-hanlon-shapes-history/|title=Sculpting History |date=20 January 2002 }}{{cite news|url=http://brick.patch.com/articles/sculptor-of-brick-911-statue-aims-to-help-in-healing|title=Sculptor of Brick 9/11 Statue Aims to Help in Healing |date=9 September 2011 }}{{cite news | archive-date=2013-07-03 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130703062520/http://www.ettc.net/njarts/details.cfm?ID=895 | url=http://www.ettc.net/njarts/details.cfm?ID=895 | title=Brian Hanlon | url-status=dead}}

2017 was the "busiest year"{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/16/sports/sports-statues-sculptor.html|title=A Sports Rodin Works in Bronze, and in Volume|last=Schonbrun|first=Zach|date=2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-01-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}} in Hanlon's decades-long professional career. Hanlon oversaw the unveiling of 30 new monuments, including Charles Barkley at Auburn, Evander Holyfield{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbs46.com/story/36934631/statue-of-boxer-evander-holyfield-to-be-displayed-in-woodruff-park|title=Statue of boxer Evander Holyfield to be displayed in Woodruff Park|last=Wilkerson|first=Daniel|access-date=2018-01-17|language=en}} in Atlanta, Jackie Robinson as a football player at the Rose Bowl,{{Cite news|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2017/11/29/16717856/jackie-robinson-statue-rose-bowl-ucla-dodgers|title=Jackie Robinson statue unveiled at Rose Bowl|work=True Blue LA|access-date=2018-01-16}} and 12 Hoosier Icons in the lobby of Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2017/10/17/indiana-to-add-5-basketball-statues-inside-assembly-hall/106745622/|title=Indiana to add 5 basketball statues inside Assembly Hall|work=USA TODAY|access-date=2018-01-16|language=en}}

In July 2021, Gabe Albornoz, Montgomery County Council Vice President, announced that Hanlon would be sculpting a new piece in honor of Olympic gymnastic legend Dominique Dawes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.localdvm.com/news/maryland/in-her-honor-a-sculpture-for-a-local-legend/|title = In her honor, a sculpture for a local legend|date = 30 July 2021}}

Hanlon uses water-based clay rather than oil-based clay because he finds it to be "firmer and less pliable,{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/16/sports/sports-statues-sculptor.html|title=A Sports Rodin Works in Bronze, and in Volume|last=Schonbrun|first=Zach|date=2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-01-17|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}" which enables him to convey movement or action in his sculptures. His commissions typically take six to 36 months to complete, based on size and scope.

Early life and education

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Hanlon was raised in Holmdel Township, New Jersey, where he attended Holmdel High School.Kronberg, Susan. [https://www.jerseysbest.com/community/made-in-jersey-acclaimed-sculptor-creates-timeless-memorials-to-heroes-of-all-kinds/ "Made in Jersey: Acclaimed sculptor creates timeless memorials to heroes of all kinds"], Jersey's Best, March 9, 2021. Accessed December 27, 2024. "Hanlon, born in Jersey City and raised in Holmdel, distinctly remembers the elementary school field trip to the museum at which the artist within him began to take shape.... Drawing and painting were his first interests, his talent emerging in Holmdel High School art class and his craft studied at Brookdale Community College before taking a pause to explore a trade in ironworking."

Hanlon attended Brookdale Community College and Kean University and then worked in New York City as an ironworker and teamster before re-enrolling in Brookdale. Hanlon completed a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education at Monmouth University in 1988. While at Monmouth, he was a student-athlete and captain of the men's cross country team. He took graduate level courses towards a Master of Sculpture degree at Boston University from 1988 to 1990.

Notable sculpture projects

Elizabeth Freeman for Sheffield, Massachusetts{{Cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=2022-08-22 |title=A statue honors a once-enslaved woman who won her freedom in court |language=en |work=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/08/22/1118733517/a-statue-honors-a-once-enslaved-woman-who-won-her-freedom-in-court |access-date=2022-08-22}}
Women's World Cup 1999 for the Rose Bowl Stadium{{Cite web|url=http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/iconic-1999-womens-world-cup-win-to-be-honored-by-rose-bowl-statue|title=Iconic 1999 Women's World Cup win to be honored by Rose Bowl statue|date=2019-03-12|website=Pasadena Star News|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-26}}
Susan B. Anthony for the [https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/8-foot-tall-susan-b-anthony-statue-headed-for-adams-in-time-for-suffragettes-200th-birthday,547560 Adams Suffrage Centennial Committee]
Harriet Tubman for the [https://auburnpub.com/news/local/i-just-can-t-wait-harriet-tubman-statue-commissioned-for/article_5f7bab19-0e81-5ab7-a47a-ea8e43fcadf3.html Equal Rights Cultural Heritage Center]
Jody Conradt for The University of Texas{{Cite web|url=https://texassports.com/news/2012/10/6/100612aab_108.aspx|title=University of Texas dedicates statue to Conradt|website=University of Texas Athletics|date=6 October 2012 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.myfoxaustin.com/story/19750436/jody-conradt-statue-unveiled|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629222746/http://www.myfoxaustin.com/story/19750436/jody-conradt-statue-unveiled|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-06-29|title=Jody Conradt statue unveiled }}
Tony Robichaux for the University of Louisiana{{Cite web|url=https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/sports/ul_lafayette/article_729a5308-4e8a-11ea-a8fb-e72c0ffedcb7.html|title=Tony Robichaux sculptor to attend unveiling: "I wanted to experience the love at that moment"|last=writer|first=KEVIN FOOTE {{!}} Staff|website=The Advocate|date=13 February 2020 |language=en|access-date=2020-04-25}}
Jerry Coleman for the San Diego Padres{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/mlb|title=MLB News, Videos, Scores, Teams, Standings, Stats|website=FOX Sports}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Journal/Issues/2012/10/08/Coast-to-Coast.aspx|title=Coast to Coast|date=June 30, 2023|website=www.sportsbusinessjournal.com}}{{cite news|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/15/san-diego-treasure-coleman-saluted-padres/|title=The San Diego Union-Tribune - San Diego, California & National News }}
[https://www.hanlonsculpture.com/news/naismith-coaches-circle-monument-unveiled-basketball-hall-fame Naismith Coaches Circle] for the Basketball Hall of Fame
"[http://naismithtrophy.com/winners/#coy Coaches of the Year" Werner Ladder Naismith Trophy] for the Basketball Hall of Fame
Chuck Bednarik for the University of Pennsylvania{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedp.com/article/2011/11/chuck_bednarik_statue_unveiled|title=Chuck Bednarik statue unveiled|first=Steven|last=Jaffe|website=www.thedp.com}}
Steve Gleason "Rebirth" for the New Orleans Saints{{Cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/steve-gleason-s-block-no-feel-good-play-for-atlanta-falcons-09000d5d82adf973|title=Steve Gleason's block no feel-good play for Atlanta Falcons|website=NFL.com}}{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30_32u0kLHE| title=Steve Gleason statue dedication at Mercedes-Benz Superdome }}
Yogi Berra for the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=5215368| title=Berra statue to be installed in front of museum | date=24 May 2010 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.northjersey.com/sports/pro_sports/baseball/052410_Yogi_Berra_to_have_statue_in_front_of_his_museum.html}}
Shaquille O'Neal for Louisiana State University{{cite news | archive-date=2013-06-30 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130630074539/http://www.sculptsite.com/sculpture-headlines-Brian-Hanlon-Shaquille-Oneil-09-11-11.html | url=http://www.sculptsite.com/sculpture-headlines-Brian-Hanlon-Shaquille-Oneil-09-11-11.html | title=Brian Hanlon Sculpture | url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2011/09/shaquille_oneal_2.html | work=The Boston Globe | first=Matt | last=Pepin | title=Shaquille O'Neal honored with statue | date=2011-09-08}}{{cite news|url=http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2011-09-08/shaquille-oneal-statue-unveiled-at-lsu}}
Bob Cousy for the College of the Holy Cross{{Cite web|url=https://magazine.holycross.edu/issue_42_4/42_4_news/statue_honoring_cousy|title=Statue honoring Cousy '50 unveiled on campus | magazine.holycross.edu|website=magazine.holycross.edu}}
Michael Horrocks for West Chester University{{cite web | url=https://www.inquirer.com/archives/ | title=Inquirer.com: Philadelphia local news, sports, jobs, cars, homes | website=www.inquirer.com}}{{cite news|url=http://www.dailylocal.com/article/20100912/TMP01/309129971&template=printart|title=Old colleagues remember Michael Horrocks|access-date=2018-11-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215813/http://www.dailylocal.com/article/20100912/TMP01/309129971%26template%3Dprintart|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3U9Vjqa0pk| title=Standing Tall }}
Leavander Johnson for Atlantic City, NJ{{cite news|url=http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/communities/atlantic-city_pleasantville_brigantine/friends-family-work-for-boxer-s-legacy/article_81c98f1d-524e-5f44-81ee-4858258d0ad0.html?mode=jqm| title=Friends, family work for boxer's legacy }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content10069.html|title=LEAVANDER JOHNSON STATUE UNVEILED IN ATLANTIC CITY|| FIGHTHYPE.COM|website=www.fighthype.com}}
Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J.{{Cite web|url=https://magazine.holycross.edu/issue_44_1/44_1_arrupe|title=Rev. Pedro Arrupe, S.J.: Man of Science, Man of Service | magazine.holycross.edu|website=magazine.holycross.edu}}
Pope John Paul II
Fannie Lou Hamer for Ruleville, MS{{Cite web|url=http://www.fannielouhamer.info/hamer_statue.html|title=Fannie Lou Hamer Statue|website=www.fannielouhamer.info}}{{Cite web|url=https://themississippilink.com/tag/ruleville-miss/|title=Ruleville Miss. Archives}}{{cite news|url=http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/10/mississippi_civil_rights_icon.html|title=Mississippi civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer honored with statue |date=6 October 2012 }}
2nd Lt. Carol Ann Drazba, R.N. for Scranton, PA{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/memorial-to-fallen-vietnam-war-hero-and-dunmore-resident-dedicated/article_1f3e5060-52e9-5747-9ec2-fbb38c0fc89e.html|title=Memorial to fallen Vietnam war hero and Dunmore resident dedicated|first=robbie ward (staff|last=writer)|website=Scranton Times-Tribune|date=16 June 2012 }}
George Rogers for Liberty University
"Teamwork" Public Safety for Westminster, CO{{Cite web|url=https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMF43V_Teamwork_Westminster_CO|title=Teamwork - Westminster, CO - Figurative Public Sculpture on Waymarking.com|website=www.waymarking.com}}
Fallen Officers Memorial for Perth Amboy, NJ
100th Fire Department Anniversary for Bridgeville, DE{{cite news|url=http://www.seafordstar.com/index.cfm?ref=42568&ref2=391}}
W-6 Firefighter Memorial for Worcester, MA{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Firefighters+statue+finished;+Sculptor,+chief+to+unveil+collaborative...-a0190035754|title=Firefighters statue finished; Sculptor, chief to unveil collaborative effort today. - Free Online Library|website=www.thefreelibrary.com}}
Bearcat for Binghamton University{{cite news|url=http://www.bubearcats.com/index.php/news/show/bearcats_statue_unveiled_over_homecoming_weekend|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913225016/http://www.bubearcats.com/index.php/news/show/bearcats_statue_unveiled_over_homecoming_weekend|archivedate=2014-09-13|title=Binghamton University Bearcats }}
Golden Eagle in Flight for Clarion University{{cite news|url=http://www.clarion.edu/348308/ |title=Pennsylvania Western University }}
Panther for Florida International University{{Cite web|url=https://dasa.fiu.edu/all-departments/student-government-association/|title=Student Government Association|first=Florida International University-Digital|last=Communications|website=dasa.fiu.edu}}
Hawk for Monmouth University
Statue of Dominique Wilkins at State Farm Arena
Statue of Evander Holyfield for Atlanta{{cite web |last1=Winkeljohn |first1=Matt |title=Statue of Evander Holyfield unveiled in Atlanta |url=https://apnews.com/article/ga-state-wire-atlanta-hawks-evander-holyfield-atlanta-nba-aa0bb5ad22dd03566aaeda915272360f |website=Associated Press |date=25 June 2021 |publisher=AP |access-date=5 July 2021}}

Personal life

Hanlon is married to the former Michele Adamkowski, a soccer stand-out at Monmouth University, and together the couple has five children. Michele was the model and subject of one of Hanlon's first sculptures when he created his [https://archive.today/20130630110123/http://0.tqn.com/d/collegeapps/1/0/o/E/-/-/monmouth-Sister72-Flickr.jpg "Involved Student"] for Monmouth's campus in 1988 that featured her lying on the ground with a soccer ball and gym bag while reading a text book.

References

External links

{{Official website|http://www.hanlonsculpture.com}} includes a 'sculpture finder' for North America

Category:Living people

Category:Brookdale Community College alumni

Category:Brown University alumni

Category:Holmdel High School alumni

Category:Kean University alumni

Category:Monmouth University alumni

Category:People from Holmdel Township, New Jersey

Category:People from Jersey City, New Jersey

Category:People from Toms River, New Jersey

Category:Sculptors from New Jersey

Category:Year of birth missing (living people)