Savage played a pivotal role in the Harlem Renaissance. In her own personal practice, she was most known for her sculpture piece, The Harp.
Sculptor, Artist Educator, Art and Civil Rights Activist 1892: Green Cove Springs, FL - 1962: New York, NY
It commemorated the contributions of black music to America and was specifically inspired by the famous black anthem “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” penned by Jacksonville’s Rosamond and James Weldon Johnson. She established her career as an artist by sculpting the busts of prominent black leaders such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Marcus Garvey. Beyond creating sculpture, she dedicated much of her passion to sharing her gifts through teaching art, advocating for civil rights, and providing opportunities through the Works Progress Administration for other black artists such as Jacob Lawrence.
Augusta Savage’s story is often overlooked in the world of art history and traditional art education but she is not forgotten. Thankfully there are many articles written, historic sites and art centers both in Saugerties, New York and Green Cove Springs, Florida commemorating her legacy, and finally the Schomburg Center for Research, holds the largest collection of Savage’s work of any public institution.