An inspiration for artists like John Waters, among others, local filmmaker George Kuchar died on September 6 following a battle with cancer. The San Francisco Art Institute released the following statement today: "It is with great sadness that the San Francisco Art Institute announces that George Kuchar, a longtime professor and influential figure in experimental and underground filmmaking, died on September 6, 2011 following a battle with cancer."

While not many knew about Kuchar -- we never heard of him until today, to be honest -- many local art students and creative types chimed in on varying forms of social media to express their sadness and appreciation of his work. "Born and raised in the Bronx, Kuchar was a longtime resident of San Francisco and had taught at the San Francisco Art Institute for over forty years," notes Bay Citizen. "He continued to make films of all kinds while at SFAI, embracing the video revolution of the 1980s and often collaborating with students."

For a small sample of his work, check out the ending of Hold Me While I'm Naked" (1966).