9 Facts about Augusta Savage

Saturday, April 18th 2015. | Arts

Find out the African American sculptor who was linked with Harlem Renaissance in Facts about Augusta Savage. She was born on 29 February 1892 as Augusta Christine Fells. She passed away on 27 March 1962. Besides being a sculptor, she was also a teacher. During her life, she struggled for equality for the African American artists in US. Let’s find out more interesting facts about Savage by reading the following post below:

Facts about Augusta Savage 1: place of birth and parents

She was the daughter of Cornelia Murphy and Edward Fells who worked as a Methodist minister. She was born in Green Cove Springs, Florida.

Facts about Augusta Savage 2: the clay figure

Savage was very interested to create sculpture since she was a kid. She began making clay figures that she shaped into animals. But his father always beat her when he found his clay figures. At that time, his father believed that sculpture was a sinful practice. It was not allowed for her to create to clay figures based on his Bible’s interpretation of graven images portion.

Facts about Augusta Savage

Facts about Augusta Savage 3: a Virgin Mary figure

His father regretted his past action of beating her when he saw her making a Virgin Mary figure. Since her talent was wonderful, her principal paid her a dollar per day to make her teaching modeling. There is no need to wonder that Savage loved teaching and art.

Facts about Augusta Savage 4: marriage

John T. Moore and Augusta Fells married in 1907. Then both were blessed with a child named Connie Moore in 1908. However, John passed away.

Augusta Savage Pic

Facts about Augusta Savage 5: moving back

After the death of his husband, she lived with her parents again and raised her daughter.

Facts about Augusta Savage 6: Cooper Union art School

She applied for Cooper Union Art School in New York City. Then Augusta married to James Savage. However, the marriage ended up in only several months. But she still used the name. Get facts about August Macke here.

Augusta Savage Image

Facts about Augusta Savage 7: the education at Cooper

At Cooper, she was an excellent student. The faculty and staffs at Cooper were very impressed with her talents and skill. She only needed three years to complete her degree.

Facts about Augusta Savage 8: the summer art program

Savage felt that she was very qualified for a summer art program sponsored by the French Government. However, she was not admitted in the program because she was black. She was very upset about it and called for equality. Get facts about Audrey Flack here.

Augusta Savage Facts

Facts about Augusta Savage 9: exhibition

Due to her talent and struggle for equality, she was honored with many awards. She also created various exhibitions which allowed her to have a tour to Belgium, Germany and France.