Steve Hauk

Steve Hauk is an American journalist, writer, playwright, and gallery owner, known for his diverse contributions to the arts and literature. Hauk is particularly noted for his exploration of early California art and his literary endeavors that often intersect with the world of fine arts.

Journalism and Writing
Hauk began his career in journalism, covering notable figures such as Muhammad Ali, Paul Newman, Dame Judith Anderson, and Pope John Paul II's visit to the Monterey Peninsula in 1987. As a writer, he has authored several plays and books and documentary films focusing on historical figures, writers, and artists.

Contributions to Art and Literature
Hauk co-curated the National Steinbeck Center’s inaugural art exhibition, This Side of Eden – Images of Steinbeck’s California. He has written on John Steinbeck for the Steinbeck Review and SteinbeckNow.. His book Steinbeck: The Untold Stories is a collection of 16 short stories that blend fiction and reality, drawing inspiration from John Steinbeck's life and writings. Hauk wrote two documentary films: Time Captured in Paintings – the Monterey Legacy,   and The Roots of California  Photography – the Monterey Legacy. He also wrote essays and catalogue entries on artists Warren Chang, Judith Deim, Portuguese American artist, Millard Sheets, and others.

Playwriting
His play The Floating Hat explores the unique and dynamic relationship between Charlie Chaplin and the deaf-mute artist Granville Redmond. The play delves into their friendship, contrasting temperaments, and artistic collaboration. Fortune's Way, or Notes on Art for Catholics (and Others) examines the life of prominent California artist E. Charlton Fortune. In a 2021 article for the Monterey Herald reviewer discusses Eden Armed: A Play in Four Scenes written by Hauk. The play examines the challenges faced by John Steinbeck after he voiced the struggles of field workers. A Mild Concussion (The Forgotten Computer Genius with co-author Stewart Cheifet) looks at the final days of a computer genius (Gary Kildall) whose work was appropriated by a major figure in the computer world, leading to the tragic death of the true creator. It is preserved in the Computer History Museum.

Hauk Fine Arts
Together with Nancy, Hauk founded Hauk Fine Arts in Pacific Grove, California. The gallery specializes in early and contemporary California and the Monterey Peninsula art. In 2016, the Pacific Grove Public Library, a Carnegie library, named an exhibit space the Nancy and Steve Hauk Gallery.

Personal life
Steve Hauk married Nancy Burtch Hauk (1944-2016) of St. Louis, Missouri. She was deeply involved in the arts and education, contributing significantly to their shared passion for art and literature. The couple had two children, Amy and Anne Hauk.