Ken Hunt (more recently known as Sketch), 34, a native of Aberdeen, Wash., who was a journalist, poet, musician, performer, and tutor, died suddenly of injuries in Chicago on March 21. Sketch was admired as a staunch supporter of ideas and people that question social norms and conventions. As such, s/he recently came out as ‘gender queer’ and preferred gender-neutral pronouns; however, s/he was still heavily involved in the gay male leather scene.
As a writer and performer, Sketch—who lived everywhere from Seattle to Albuquerque to Chicago—was extensively involved in the arts. According to e-poets.net, s/he published four books of poetry and, in Chicago, was featured at everything from the Feast of Fools Cabaret to Homolatte. In addition, s/he publicized the online literary journal Blithe House Quarterly and performed in bands such as the Chicago outfits Unplanned Pregnancy and Mayor Daley. S/he also taught English as a Second Language at the Howard Area Community Center in Chicago.
S/he was also heavily involved in politics as an activist. Sketch was an anarchist pacifist and member of the Chicagoland Anarchist Network; Mad Tea Party; Queer & Trans Caucus; and Food Not Bombs. Sketch was one of the primary organizers of last year’s anarchist feeder march that crashed the Gay Pride Parade and ended up clashing with a homophobic contingent.
Sketch was the child of Dr. Kenneth Hunt and the late Carole Hunt of Aberdeen as well as the sibling of Susan Hunt of Bellingham, Wash. Undoubtedly, s/he will be missed by family, friends, and many fellow artists.
A celebration of Sketch’s life will occur April 3 at 12 p.m.; for the location, contact VivaSketch1@yahoo.com. A second memorial and picnic will take place April 9, 12 p.m.-4 p.m, at Forest Home-Waldheim Cemetery, 863 S. Des Plaines, Forest Park.
In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made in Sketch’s name to Midwest Books to Prisoners Project, c/o Quimby’s Bookstore, 1573 N. Milwaukee, PMB 460, Chicago, IL 60622. Checks and money orders should be made to the order of Sarah McHugh.