David Gilhooly was not just a leader in the funk art movement, but a major player in the Pacific Northwest art scene. His work endures as a reminder that art does not always need to be so serious.

• Born: 1943
• Died: 2013
• Hometown: Auburn, CA
• Education: MA, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 1967
  BA, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 1965

About David Gilhooly

Gilhooly’s journey as an artist began as a Biology major, then an Anthropology major, and finally an Art major. He attended the University of California, Davis for his B.A. and M.A., where he had the opportunity to study under the renowned ceramicist Robert Arneson, considered the father of Funk Art. During his time at UC Davis, Gilhooly worked as Arneson’s assistant and was introduced to the world of Funk Art

Artistic Focuses

• Ceramics
• Sculpting
• Painting
• Printing

Together with Robert Arneson, Peter Vandenberge, Chris Unterseher, and Margaret Dodd, David Gilhooly became a leading advocate of Funk Art and challenged the seriousness of the art world with his absurd and humorous images of everyday objects. His ceramic pieces were known for their bright colors and whimsical subjects, such as frogs, sandwiches, frying pans, ice cream cones, and hot dogs. He often combined these objects in unexpected and humorous ways, creating works that were both visually striking and thought-provoking.

Gilhooly’s unique style and innovative approach to ceramics made him a key figure in the Funk Ceramic Movement and his work continues to be celebrated for its playful and anti-establishment spirit. Today, his pieces are highly sought after by collectors and are included in major museum collections around the world. Gilhooly had a solo exhibit at the Helen Drutt Gallery in 1975 and went on to teach at the University of Saskatchewan and York University in Canada.

David Gilhooly’s contributions to the Funk Ceramic Movement have had a lasting impact on the art world. Through his use of humor, satire, and his innovative approach to ceramics, he challenged the art establishment and pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the art world. His work continues to inspire and captivate audiences, making him a prominent figure in the world of contemporary ceramics.