Augusta Savage

A trailblazing African American sculptor and educator who revolutionized art accessibility during the Harlem Renaissance

Augusta Savage (1892-1962) emerged as one of America's most influential Harlem Renaissance artists despite facing racial and gender discrimination. Her iconic sculpture The Harp, inspired by James Weldon Johnson's poem Lift Every Voice and Sing, became the centerpiece of the 1939 New York World's Fair. As founder of the Savage Studio of Arts and Crafts, she nurtured talents like Jacob Lawrence and Norman Lewis.

Born in Florida to strict Methodist parents who opposed her artistic ambitions, Savage molded clay from local riverbeds as a child. After moving to Harlem in 1921, she became the first Black artist elected to the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors. Despite being denied international study opportunities due to her race, she persevered to create powerful works addressing social inequality.

Her 1932 sculpture Gamin, depicting a streetwise Harlem youth, earned critical acclaim and is now housed in the National Museum of African American History. Savage's legacy as an educator and community art program pioneer continues inspiring marginalized artists today.