The Look Out, 1990
Dennis Hare, former San Diego State University men's volleyball star, multi-sport athlete, and renowned artist, passed away peacefully in March of this year, 2024, at his home surrounded by loved ones. Dennis suffered from Parkinson's Disease. He was an exceptional athlete throughout his high school and college years. In the early 70s, he was one of the pioneers spearheading the growth of highly competitive and professional beach volleyball in San Diego County. In 1981, Dennis authored the classic 'The Art of Beach Volleyball,' the first book on the subject.
As important and significant as his athletic career was, Hare spent the last 40 years of his life tirelessly pursuing excellence as an artist. Dennis exhibited a talent for art as a child and was taught by his grandfather, Oliver Hare and his maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Harlan, both accomplished artists. His textured canvases depict a unique passion for human connectedness and reflect his travels and culture-seeking in Europe and Mexico. He was well-known for depicting people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Bright colors and communal group scenes ran throughout his work, and beach and coastal light became a favorite motif. Dennis quickly received recognition for his artistic talent. He had over 60 solo shows and numerous museum shows. He was represented by well-known gallerists in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Carmel. His work is in many private collections and museums, including the Crocker Museum, Laguna Art Museum, UCI Institute and Museum of California Art, and Oakland Museum of Art.
Within miles of his hometown, Yucaipa, California, Dennis recreated a home, natural gardens, and art studio 28 years ago. In Dennis's words. . . "There is no place I would rather be." It was his sanctuary.
As important and significant as his athletic career was, Hare spent the last 40 years of his life tirelessly pursuing excellence as an artist. Dennis exhibited a talent for art as a child and was taught by his grandfather, Oliver Hare and his maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Harlan, both accomplished artists. His textured canvases depict a unique passion for human connectedness and reflect his travels and culture-seeking in Europe and Mexico. He was well-known for depicting people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Bright colors and communal group scenes ran throughout his work, and beach and coastal light became a favorite motif. Dennis quickly received recognition for his artistic talent. He had over 60 solo shows and numerous museum shows. He was represented by well-known gallerists in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Carmel. His work is in many private collections and museums, including the Crocker Museum, Laguna Art Museum, UCI Institute and Museum of California Art, and Oakland Museum of Art.
Within miles of his hometown, Yucaipa, California, Dennis recreated a home, natural gardens, and art studio 28 years ago. In Dennis's words. . . "There is no place I would rather be." It was his sanctuary.