Artist Augusta Savage (1892–1962) overcame poverty, racism, and sexual discrimination to become one of America’s most influential 20th-century artists. Her sculptures celebrate African American culture, and her work as an arts educator, activist, and Harlem Renaissance leader catalyzed social change. This exhibition explores Savage’s lasting legacy through her own work and that of the younger artists she inspired, including Jacob Lawrence (1917–2000), Gwendolyn Knight (1913–2005), and Norman Lewis (1901–1979). Through more than 50 works of art and archival materials, it illuminates Savage’s artistic vision, as well as her profound impact on her students and her community.

Explore our new exhibition catalogue, Augusta Savage: Renaissance Woman, a timely, visual, exploration of the fascinating life and lasting legacy of sculptor Augusta Savage (1892-1962), who overcame poverty, racism, and sexual discrimination to become one of America's most influential twentieth-century artists.

Augusta Savage: Renaissance Woman is curated by Jeffreen M. Hayes, Ph.D. and organized by the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Sotheby’s Prize. It is coordinated at New-York Historical by Wendy N. E. Ikemoto, Ph.D., associate curator of American art. Important support provided by Carol Sutton Lewis and William M. Lewis, Jr., and Andrew and Howard Marks. Exhibitions at New-York Historical are made possible by Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang and Oscar Tang, the Saunders Trust for American History, the Seymour Neuman Endowed Fund, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. WNET is the media sponsor.

Major funding for New-York Historical's Equality and Justice for All initiative, exploring the history of identity, race, and civil rights in America, has been provided by The New York City Council with support from Council Member Helen Rosenthal and Council Speaker Corey Johnson, and by Empire State Development and the New York State Council on the Arts under Governor Andrew Cuomo's Regional Economic Development Council Initiative.