Folk Artist Stephen Huneck Dies

Creator of Dog Chapel and reknowned childrens' author commits suicide.

By Melissa Barr

Sadly, on January 7th, 2010, Stephen Huneck, folk artist, creator of Dog Chapel, and acclaimed childrens’ writer/illustrator, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to his wife, Huneck was being treated for depression, having suffered financial setbacks recently, and having had to let go of most of his staff.

Huneck’s is well known for his whimsical, folksy art, inspired by his love for dogs, and the chapel he built on his land, Dog Mountain, to celebrate the spiritual bond between people and their dogs.

There will be a memorial service for him at Dog Mountain this spring.