George Spohn
George Spohn
George Spohn was an artist, sculptor and educator renowned for his work within the California Dada/funk/raw assemblage sculpture movement. Born in America, he passed away on March 22nd, 1988.
Caroseriebau Spohn of Ravensburg evolved from body repair shop to full coachbuilder on Bugatti, Mercedes, Steyr, and Maybach chassis. Their most renowned creation was the flush-fendered Maybach displayed at the 1931 Berlin Salon.
Early Life and Education
Clay Spohn was born in San Francisco on November 24, 1898 to Lena and John Henry Spohn. Throughout his education, he studied under Perham Nahl and attended the Art Students League where he met and befriended fellow artist Alexander Calder.
In 1927, he returned to the Bay Area and quickly became active in its art scene. During this period, he created copper bas relief murals, egg tempera paintings, as well as lithographs.
He made a major impact with an exhibition of oddly shaped found objects and ephemera that is widely considered to have launched California’s Dada/funk/raw assemblage sculpture movement. Throughout his lifetime, Spohn continued creating groundbreaking artworks. On December 19, 1977 he passed away; The Archives of American Art holds a small but impressive collection about his life and career.
Professional Career
George Spohn was a clinical laboratory scientist employed at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Beeville in Texas.
He was a member of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Beeville’s Blood Bank.
His professional career spanned decades. He was an expert in his field and had numerous notable successes to his credit.
He was an honorable military veteran, receiving the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic actions during World War II.
Achievements and Honors
George Spohn has an impressive list of accomplishments and honors to his name. A certified senior professional engineer with more than 30 years’ experience, including stints as executive vice president and president and CEO at Franklin Chemical Industries in Columbus, Ohio; he also holds a Master of Science in Chemistry and serves on the boards of directors for Spring Grove Association and Indoor Soccer Academy (Columbus). George enjoys spending time with family – golfing and fishing regularly while living in his three-story modern house located near Downtown Columbus.
He takes great joy in the accolades he has bestowed upon his staff, clients and colleagues. His accomplishments have earned him respect from his colleagues as well as the admiration of his family and closest friends.
Personal Life
George Spohn was an influential architect in Winter Park, designing numerous buildings for Rollins College, Olin Library and other projects.
He was actively involved in the Winter Park Kiwanis Club and American Institute of Architects. Additionally, he served as president of the Winter Park Hospital Board.
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his military service, awarded for extraordinary heroism during combat operations against an enemy force on July 10, 1943.