Late 20th century, painted sheet metal with loops for hanging, and ink signed to belly, to include: (2) smaller blue fish (15 in.), and (6) larger striped fish (20 3/4 in.).

Private Collection, Wilmington, North Carolina

Wilmington, North Carolina artist Michael Van Hout has made significant contributions to the arts in his community including the Arlie Gardens Bottle Chapel, installations for the Fort Fisher Aquarium, and leading courses for children at the Dreams Center. Van Hout found his career as a sculptor in college while working for the grounds crew. He would collect the wires that bound pine straw bails and construct figures out of them. His enjoyment in the craft led him to declare a BSA in sculpture.

Today, he creates sculptures organically in his studio, using a variety of media. His sculptures are often in motion and embrace a fascination with animals, anatomy, and nostalgia.

Some surface scratches and marks, otherwise good estate condition.