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Forever Free: A Presentation on the Life and Legacy of Sculptor Edmonia Lewis
February 16, 2021 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Born a free woman of African-Haitian and Native-American parents in 1844 and orphaned at an early age, Edmonia Lewis overcame the prejudices and racism of her day to become the first American sculptor of color to achieve international fame. Finding creative harbor in the Rome of Pope Pius IX, where she converted to Catholicism, Edmonia was admired by the likes of President Ulysses S. Grant and abolitionist Frederick Douglas and her works, inspired by classical and biblical themes, now adorn The Smithsonian and Howard University. Yet her story remains unknown by many. Join Rome-based art historian, Dr. Elizabeth Lev, for a guided tour through the life, world, artistry and faith of this remarkable woman.