Augusta Savage
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Augusta Savage
Civil Rights Activist, Sculptor (1892-1962)
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"I have created nothing really beautiful, really lasting, but if I can inspire one of these youngsters to develop the talent I know they possess, then my monument will be in their work."
An artist of the Harlem Renaissance Era, Augusta Savage is remembered today as a great sculptor, activist, and arts educator. Savage grew up in a large family in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Her art making began when she was a child; she enjoyed sculpting animals and other small figures out of the natural clay found in her hometown.
Many years later, Savage moved to New York after struggling to establish herself as a sculptor in Florida. While living in New York City, she attended Cooper Union to study art. The university did not charge tuition, which was extremely helpful to Savage who had struggled financially throughout her life.
In 1923, an experience arouse that would have great influence on her life and work. Savage applied to a summer program that would allow her to study art in France, but was rejected because of her race. The rejection fueled her activism. Savage wrote letters to the local media about the program selection committee's discrimination. Although it wasn't enough to change the group's decision, her story made headlines in many newspapers.
Savage was eventually able to study abroad, and returned to the United States in the midst of the Great Depression. Portrait work was hard for her to come by so she began teaching art and, in 1932, established the Savage Studio of Arts and Crafts. In mid-decade, she became the first black artist to join what was then known as the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors.
Augusta Savage is an artist to introduce to students because her story is one of perseverance. The choices that she made to pursue her dreams are a great example of passion and dedication. Savage's work portrays and evokes deep emotion; through the introduction of her work, students will learn about things such as sculpture, symbolism, and the portrayal of emotion through art.
Suggested Reading
Many years later, Savage moved to New York after struggling to establish herself as a sculptor in Florida. While living in New York City, she attended Cooper Union to study art. The university did not charge tuition, which was extremely helpful to Savage who had struggled financially throughout her life.
In 1923, an experience arouse that would have great influence on her life and work. Savage applied to a summer program that would allow her to study art in France, but was rejected because of her race. The rejection fueled her activism. Savage wrote letters to the local media about the program selection committee's discrimination. Although it wasn't enough to change the group's decision, her story made headlines in many newspapers.
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| 1939, Savage working on one of her most famous works, "The Harp" |
Savage was eventually able to study abroad, and returned to the United States in the midst of the Great Depression. Portrait work was hard for her to come by so she began teaching art and, in 1932, established the Savage Studio of Arts and Crafts. In mid-decade, she became the first black artist to join what was then known as the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors.
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| "Gamin", 1929 |
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| Sculpture information unknown |
Augusta Savage is an artist to introduce to students because her story is one of perseverance. The choices that she made to pursue her dreams are a great example of passion and dedication. Savage's work portrays and evokes deep emotion; through the introduction of her work, students will learn about things such as sculpture, symbolism, and the portrayal of emotion through art.
Suggested Reading
In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage by Alan Schroeder