Culture

Stephen Huneck, Vermont-Based Folk Artist, Commits Suicide at 60

by Blaine Metzgar | January 8, 2010 at 07:06 pm

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Stephen Huneck, a famed Vermont-based folk artist, committed suicide yesterday, Thursday, January 7, at the age of sixty. Huneck, who had been suffering from depression, shot himself in the head in his car nearby his physician's office.

In a message posted online today by Huneck's wife, Gwen, confirmed the celebrated artist's death:

“Tragically, Stephen took his own life. Stephen had been despondent for some time now and was being treated for depression.”

Huneck was apparently quite upset over recent layoffs at both his studio, Dog Mountain Studio, and the dog chapel, which he built himself. His wife touched on his feelings toward the layoffs in her statement saying

“Like many Americans we had been adversely affected by the economic downturn. Stephen feared losing Dog Mountain and our home. Then on Tuesday we had to lay off most of our employees. This hurt Stephen deeply. He cared about them and felt responsible for their welfare.”

Huneck was a furniture maker, wood carving artist, and children's book author. His artwork has been commisioned by celebrites such as Sandra Bernhard and Dr. Phil.

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YankeeJim

at 10:16 on January 9th, 2010

Perhaps they will create a special place for him in the pet cemetary.

Edward M. (not verified)

at 19:24 on January 10th, 2010

I did not know Mr. Huneck but I enjoyed his artwork on many visits to his shop in Woodstock. My thoughts and prayers tonite will be for his family, friends, and co-workers.A terrible and tragic loss.....God bless all who take to heart, as this man apparently did, the lives and welfare of others.