Hugo and his wife Faye lived on the banks of a stream in Saylersville, Kentucky. He came to the U.S. at the age of seven with his parents. After he finished high school in Groton, New York, he enlisted in the Army in 1940. He served in New Guinea.

Hugo painted on canvas, scratched on slate, carved erotic figures and created puzzles from wood. He could achieve anything artistically he wanted to do; an everyday genius who may never achieved the acclaim he deserves. Hugo’s work can be humorous, light-hearted or intense. He probably is best known for his biblical works although he did not consider himself a religious person. His work is included in Appalachia, a major survey of Appalachian Art.

George Viener, Faye and Hugo Spencer  June 1993