David L. Hostetler

Hostetler David L. Hostetler. There is a place in rural Athens County, Ohio where a tall, grey bearded man with a do-rag on his head walked through the woods and saw the female form in every tree, where the sounds of his mallet striking a metal chisel transformed those ancient trees into women. This world, unique unto itself, is the world created by David L. Hostetler. Hostetler was an eminent and much beloved sculptor, painter, printmaker and teacher whose works are featured in prominent galleries and private collections worldwide. He died after a short illness on November 17, 2015 in Athens. A wood carver and bronze sculptor of works capturing the female form, David was also a professor at Ohio University. Hostetler graduated with a BA in art from Indiana University in1948 and a Master's of Fine Arts from Ohio University in 1949. He taught at Ohio University for 38 years and retired as Professor Emeritus. Hostetler earned wide acclaim for his unique treatment of the feminine form, his "women." Most of his pieces begin as woodcarvings, with bronze versions cast directly from the wood. Among his notable pieces are "The Duo" a 13 ft. sculpture installed at Trump International Tower and Hotel in Manhattan and the "Ikon" located on West 57th St., New York. Over the course of his career, he lectured throughout the United States and Mexico. David was a teacher, mentor and inspiration for countless students at Ohio University. A long time fixture on the Athens music scene, Hostetler played drums with multiple jazz ensembles for decades around the state. David is survived by his wife and muse, Susan Crehan-Hostetler; his son, Jay Hostetler and his partner, Cherri Hendricks; and two daughters, Anne Lampela, and Jane Palmer. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Calling hours will be Monday from 4-7 p.m. followed by a service from 7-8 p.m. at the Athens Community Center, 701 E State Street, Athens, Ohio in Rooms A, B, and C. The Burial time has been changed to 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Clarks Chapel Cemetery, Athens. A celebration of his life will take place during the spring in Athens, Ohio and in August in Nantucket, MA. Arrangements are with JAGERS SONS FUNERAL HOME, Athens. Online condolence at www.jagersfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the David Hostetler Legacy Fund at Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, 35 Public Square, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764 www.appalachianohio.org.