Harlem Renaissance Art in Ulster County New York |
Honoring Augusta Savage as a sculptor and the A Monumental Influence exhibition |
Ulster County is currently celebrating the profound legacy of an artistic giant.
A new exhibition, “A Monumental Influence,” shines a spotlight on the indispensable contributions of Augusta Savage sculptor
Savage, a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance art movement, spent her final fifteen years rooted in Saugerties, establishing a deep local connection.
This compelling showcase not only honors her powerful original works but also illuminates the enduring impact of her mentorship on subsequent generations of artists.
The exhibition thoughtfully juxtaposes Savage's masterful creations, including pieces crafted for local families in the region, with contemporary art from seven talents she inspired.
Among those touched by her vision are celebrated figures like Romare Bearden, illustrating her truly remarkable reach.
This intergenerational dialogue highlights her foundational role, demonstrating how her guidance shaped the trajectory of future artistic expression.
Savage’s ambition, perhaps best exemplified by her legendary, though sadly lost, 1939 World’s Fair sculpture “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” continues to resonate deeply within the art world.
Curators Carol Griffin and Randall Harris have meticulously crafted an experience that feels both historically rich and vibrantly contemporary, offering fresh insights into the artist’s mind.
The exhibition also includes planned artist talks, promising even deeper engagement with the transformative influence of this extraordinary woman.
Hosting the Monumental Influence exhibition marks a significant moment for the arts scene in Ulster County, underscoring its role in preserving important cultural narratives.
The community can feel immense pride in celebrating a trailblazer whose spirit continues to inspire across decades. |
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Perhaps I missed it but I read through this article twice and have no idea where this exhibit is, days, hours, etc.
You raise a completely fair point, and we apologize for the omission, we're working on adding the venue, dates, and hours details to the article so readers can plan their visit!
The article mentions pieces she made for local families in the region. I'd love to know more about that. Are those works still in private hands? Seems like details worth a whole separate story honestly.
Romare Bearden being influenced by someone who lived right here in the Hudson Valley is pretty wild to think about. Hope the artist talks get a good turnout, those are always worth showing up for.
Romare Bearden was influenced by her? I knew he was a giant but didn't know that connection. Makes you wonder how many other artists trace back to her without people realizing it.
Dave KowalskiRight? And she was also a huge influence on Jacob Lawrence. The Harlem Renaissance had so many of those invisible threads running through it. Savage was basically a hub that connected a whole generation and most people have no idea.
The fact that Lift Every Voice and Sing was destroyed after the World's Fair is honestly heartbreaking. Wish the exhibition could somehow show people what that piece looked like at full scale.
I had no idea Augusta Savage spent her last years right here in Saugerties. Grew up in this area and never learned that in school. Really glad this exhibition is bringing that history to light.
I had no idea Augusta Savage spent her last years in Saugerties. That's the kind of local history they never taught us in school. Glad this exhibition is finally giving her the recognition she deserves up here.
Terri M.Same, I grew up in Woodstock and never once heard her name mentioned in school. Found out about her connection to Saugerties maybe two years ago and was kind of stunned. Better late than never I guess but it really makes you wonder what else got left out.