Joe Brown (March 20, 1909 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – March 14, 1985 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was an American figurative sculptor, specializing in athletes. His work was part of the sculpture event in the art competition at the 1936 Summer Olympics.[1] Later in his career, he also worked as a playground designer.
Brown became the boxing coach at Princeton University in 1937, continuing until the early 1960s. He began teaching a sculpting course in 1939, became a resident artist at the university, and was made a full professor of art in 1962. In 1955, he exhibited his sculpture at Lehigh University with works by Jose deRivera and William H. "Lone Star" Dietz in an exhibition arranged by Francis Quirk.[3] He continued teaching at Princeton until his 1977 retirement.
While at Princeton in 1950, he began experimenting with structures for children to engage in active, cooperative play, which was a radical shift in thinking at the time.[10]
Brown appeared as himself on the November 5, 1962 episode of the game show To Tell the Truth. He received three of four possible votes.[11]
Selected sculptures
Statuettes
Duke Kahanamoku (1940).[12]Duke Kahanamoku won gold medals in swimming at the 1912 and 1920 Olympic Games.
Jack Kelly (1942). Jack Kelly won gold medals in rowing at the 1920 and 1924 Olympic Games.
Jesse Owens (1942).[13]Jesse Owens won 4 gold medals in track & field at the 1936 Olympic Games.
Benjamin Franklin - Craftsman (1981), Broad Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[21]
Veterans Stadium
Four of Brown's sculptures graced Veterans Stadium from 1976 to 2003. Removed prior to the 2004 demolition, the sculptures were restored and relocated in 2005. They are now located near Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.