Augusta Savage Gallery Announces “As We Move Forward” Exhibit Honoring Augusta Savage

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The UMass Amherst Augusta Savage Gallery has announced that it will open its spring art exhibition, “As We Move Forward,” on Wednesday, Feb. 7, with a reception scheduled for 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 27 and a curators’ talk on April 4 at 6 p.m. The exhibition will be on view through Friday, May 10.

The reception and the April curators’ talk are free and open to the public. Admission to the gallery is always free.

“As We Move Forward” honors the work and legacy of American sculptor and educator Augusta Savage by gathering the artwork of BIPOC women from Savage’s home state of Florida. 

Co-curators Juana Valdes, associate professor in the UMass art department, and Nhadya Lawes have curated a space of celebration and growth for young artists from Miami and across the Global South. Participating artists include Lauren Baccus, Adrienne Chadwick, Yanira Collado, Diana Eusebio, Chris Friday, GeoVanna Gonzalez, Faren Humes, Loni Johnson, Rhea Leonard, Kandy G Lopez, Symone Titania Major, Sydney Rose Maubert, Arsimmer McCoy, Najja Moon, Michelle Lisa Polissaint, Chire “VantaBlack” Regans and Monica Sorelle.

Savage was a catalyst in the arts whose perseverance, advocacy and mentorship paved the way for future generations of Black artists. Her legacy is a testament to the significance of critical arts education and visibility for Black artists early in their careers. Born in Florida in 1892, she rose to recognition during the Harlem Renaissance as a sculptor, art teacher and community art program director.

“As We Move Forward” seeks to build upon the energy and conversations that took place at the “Still Here” symposium at the University of Miami Center for Global Black Studies in September 2023 and to further canonize these women artists from Miami and their relationships to the intersectionality of race, place, labor and gender in the arts. The exhibit will also highlight a broader conversation on representation and material practice unfolding in contemporary art and introduces these new talented artistic voices to the Pioneer Valley.

Information about the exhibit’s curatorial team and featured artists can be found on the FAC website.