William Edmondson was born in 1874 to formerly enslaved people George and Jane Edmondson. Before becoming a sculptor, Edmondson worked as a railroad laborer, janitor, and stone mason's helper. He used the money from these jobs to purchase land on 14th Avenue South and build a house where he would later create his artwork. After beholding a divine vision from God that he was meant to sculpt, Edmondson devoted his career to art. After carving in limestone for five years, the art world began to notice Edmondson. Classifying his work as "modern primitive," Edmondson's sculptures were showcased in the Museum of Modern Art (making him the first Black artist to be awarded a solo show) and countless other museums and colleges. Although Edmonson stopped sculpting in the late 1940s due to health problems and died in 1951, his legacy continues today. In 1979, a park at Seventeenth Avenue, North, and Charlotte Avenue was named in his honor.
William Edmondson
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Description
William Edmondson was born in 1874 to formerly enslaved people George and Jane Edmondson. Before becoming a sculptor, Edmondson worked as a railroad laborer, janitor, and stone mason's helper. He used the money from these jobs to purchase land on 14th Avenue South and build a house where he would later create his artwork. After beholding a divine vision from God that he was meant to sculpt, Edmondson devoted his career to art. After carving in limestone for five years, the art world began to notice Edmondson. Classifying his work as "modern primitive," Edmondson's sculptures were showcased in the Museum of Modern Art (making him the first Black artist to be awarded a solo show) and countless other museums and colleges. Although Edmonson stopped sculpting in the late 1940s due to health problems and died in 1951, his legacy continues today. In 1979, a park at Seventeenth Avenue, North, and Charlotte Avenue was named in his honor.