About Ed Dwight

A man whose resume reads: former Air Force Test Pilot, America’s First African American Astronaut Candidate, IBM Computer Systems Engineer, Aviation Consultant, Restaurateur, Real Estate Developer and Construction Entrepreneur can best be described as a true renaissance man. Ed Dwight has succeeded in all these varied careers. However, for the last 40 years, Ed has focused his direction on the Fine Arts- Gallery Paintings & Sculptures, Large-scale Memorials and Public Art projects. Since his art career began in 1978, after attaining his MFA in Sculpture from the University of Denver, Dwight has become one of the most prolific and insightful sculptors in America. 

Air Force Pilot and America’s First Black Astronaut Candidate

Born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, Ed left in 1953 to join the U.S. Air Force. After completing pilot training, he served as a military fighter pilot and obtained a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Arizona State University. In 1961 Dwight was chosen by President John F. Kennedy to enter training as an Experimental Test Pilot in preparation to become the first African American Astronaut.  Ed completed the Experimental Test Pilot course and entered Aerospace Research Pilot training, in preparation for Astronaut duties. He successfully completed the course and continued on to perform duties as a fully qualified Aerospace Research Pilot. Three years after the death of President Kennedy, Ed left the military and entered private life.

A New Beginning

After leaving the military in 1966, Ed took a position with the IBM Corporation as a Marketing Representative & Systems Engineer. After leaving IBM, Ed became an Aviation Consultant for a Dallas firm, and joined Executive Aviation, Inc., an executive air charter service. This was followed by the development of a Denver based restaurant chain. In 1970, Ed founded Dwight Development Associates, Inc. a Real Estate Land Development, and Construction Company, where he became one of the larger Real Estate development entrepreneurs in Denver.

Black Frontier Spirit in the American West” Series

Ed’s childhood dream was to become an artist, but was encouraged by his father to become an engineer. He received a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Arizona State University in 1957. With little formal art training, his first serious artistic endeavor began with a commission to create a sculpture of Colorado’s first African America Lt. Governor, George Brown in 1974. From this first artistic endeavor, he was commissioned by the Colorado Centennial Commission to create a series of bronzes entitled “Black Frontier in the American West.” The series depicted the contribution of African Americans to the opening of the West. Few facts were known about Black pioneers, explorers, trappers, farmers and soldiers. Through using his newly developed and unique artistic style, Ed opened the minds of viewers to this unknown history of the American West. With the support of the National Parks Service, the Series of 50 bronze sculptures was on exhibit for several years throughout the U.S., gaining widespread acceptance and critical acclaim.

Jazz: An American Art Form      

After the success of his "Black Frontier Spirit Series" exhibit, at the behest of the National Park Service, at the St. Louis Arch Museum, Ed began to explore the most significant Black contribution to the culture of America: the history of Jazz in a sculptural form. He studied the African culture and the improvisational role the Africans contributed to the art form. This led to Ed's study of his next major series of bronzes, "Jazz: An American Art Form". This series depicts the evolution of jazz music from its roots in Africa to the contemporary superstars of the jazz era, and focuses on this style as a pure American musical idiom. Elements of the Jazz series are on display at major galleries and museums throughout the U.S. and Europe, and have received critical acceptance internationally. This series of over 70 bronzes features many works focusing on the African tribal contributions, then presents such great jazz performers as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Benny Goodman. 

“ Evolution of Jazz” Series

After the success of his "Black Frontier Spirit Series" exhibit, Ed was commissioned by the National Park Service, to explore the most significant Black contribution to the culture of America: the History of Jazz in a sculptural form. He studied the African culture and the improvisational role the Africans contributed to the art form. This led to Ed's study of his next major series of bronzes, the “Evolution of Jazz” Series.” This series depicts the evolution of jazz music from its roots in Africa to the contemporary superstars of the jazz era. It focuses on Jazz as a pure American musical idiom. The exhibit opened at St. Louis’s historic Old Court House & later traveled to both NPS Museums, the Smithsonian & notable Museums throughout America for some five years, Elements of the Jazz series are on display at major galleries and museums throughout the U.S. and Europe, and have received critical acceptance internationally. This series of over 70 bronzes features many works focusing on the African tribal contributions, then presents such great jazz performers as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Benny Goodman. 

 

Resume

of

Memorials & Public Art

BACKGROUND & ART EXPERIENCE

 

Ed Dwight has been an artist since his youth. He is a graduate engineer, a former USAF Test Pilot and America’s first African American Astronaut candidate. After successful careers as an Air Force Officer/Pilot, and real estate and construction entrepreneur, Ed has dedicated the last 33 years solely to his artistic endeavors.

 

In 1975, while in the Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) Program at the University of Denver, Ed was commissioned by the Colorado Centennial Commission to create a series of bronzes depicting the contribution of Blacks to the American Frontier West. The series of 50 bronzes was exhibited for several years throughout the United States, gaining widespread acceptance and critical acclaim. In 1979, while the series was on exhibit at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (National Park Service), Ed was encouraged to create a bronze series portraying the history and historical roots of Jazz. The series created, entitled "JAZZ: An American Art Form," now consists of over 70 bronzes characterizing the creation and evolution of Jazz from its African and European roots to the fusion of contemporary music.

 

In 1978, Ed’s first large-scale commissioned work was the abolitionist Frederick Douglass. This life sized monument was commissioned by the National Park Service and is on display at the Douglass Museum in Anacostia, Maryland. Since this commission, Ed has completed over 128 Public Art & Large scale Memorial installations throughout the United States. He has also created over 18,000 gallery sculptures and is represented in several galleries throughout the country.

 

In 2009, Ed was honored with the commission to create an historical life size sculpture presentation of President Barack Obama’s first inauguration scene. The scene includes the President, The First Lady, the two Obama girls and Chief Justice John Roberts administering the oath. The exhibit is on tour throughout the U.S. in museums & other venues.

 

Currently, Ed operates a 30,000 sq. ft. studio/gallery and foundry in Denver. He employs several artisan craftsmen. He is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from his Alma Mater Arizona State University and hundreds of“Living Legends Awards” from around the Country for his achievements & contributions to racial progress through his many Memorials & Public Art. Museums, institutions and art appreciators throughout the world rigorously collect Ed’s sculptures.

 

 

 

 

RECENTLY COMPLETED PROJECTS

 

 

TEXAS AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MEMORIAL – AUSTIN, TX

Commissioned by the State of Texas, this memorial recounts the history of slavery and African American participation in the history of Texas from 1528, to the present. The

40’ long by 26’ tall bronze and granite memorial will be placed on the Texas Capitol Grounds in Austin, TX. The metaphor for the memorial is the Black exploration of Texas in 1528, by Estevan De Dorantes with Cortez, to the Black exploration of outer space by the first African American to walk in space, Bernard Harris. The front of the memorial contains some 20 figures depicting the evolution from slavery to accomplishment. The rear of the memorial depicts the African American involvement in the original fight for independence of the Republic of Texas, where Blacks fought with Sam Houston. Budget: $2.5 Million - Completed November 19, 2016

 

RALPH OPACIC – ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

Ralph Opacic was the Founder of the Orange County School of the Art. This over life size sculpture is installed at the school

 

MAYOR SHARON SAYLES - CITY HALL, MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Mayor Sayles the first African American to be elected Mayor for the City of Minneapolis, MN. The sculpture will be sited at the City Hall.

 

PEARLE REED – U.S. DEPT OF AGRICULTURE, WASHINGTON, DC

Mr. Reed was the highest ranking African American in the history of the Department of Agriculture.

 

THADDEUS TATE MEMORIAL – CHARLOTTE, NC

Commissioned by the City of Charlotte’s Trail of History Project. Tate will be the first African American honored in the 21 proposed sculptures to be erected. Tate was an investor that made way for the growth of Black owned businesses in Charlotte in the 1920’s. Tate’s sculpture will be a 1.25 life size image that will be placed along the trail. Budget: $160,000 Installation – October 2015

 

VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY HISTORICAL MEMORIAL – RICHMOND, VA

Commissioned by the University in celebration of the 150 ^th Anniversary of the Founding of Virginia Union. The 16’ long bronze sculpture is composed of 6 panels depicting the history of the institution from its origin in Lumpkins Jail to the present union of seminaries and colleges that form the University. Also featured is a granite central sculpture of contemporary design honoring the Board of Directors.

Budget: $250,000 Installation –April 2015

COMPLETED PROJECTS

 

 

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD MEMORIAL – PATTERSON, NJ

Commissioned by the Paterson, NJ Parking Authority, this memorial honors the action of two visionary Abolitionists, Josiah Huntoon, and William Van Rensalier. The two operated the historic Huntoon House in downtown Paterson, NJ. The house was a refuge for escaped slaves in the Underground Railroad System. Budget: $250,000

 

DENMARK VESEY – CHARLESTON, SC

Commissioned by the nonprofit Denmark Vesey Memorial Committee, this sculpture tribute honors the patriot and anti slavery advocates Denmark Vesey and his associates. The memorial features oversized sculptures of Vesey, and his top two lieutenants in honor of the 1822 Slave Rebellion in Charleston, SC. The memorial resides in a large plaza in a City Park adjacent to the Citadel University. The memorial features four bronze “Story Boards” telling the story of Vesey’s life, the Rebellion, and activities in the early 1800’s. Installed 2013

 

MEDGAR EVERS MEMORIAL – ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY –ALCORN, MS

Commissioned by the Medgar Evers Memorial Foundation, the sculpture is in front of the newly completed Medgar Evers Student Housing complex.

Budget: $200,00

 

ROSA PARKS SCULPTURE MEMORIAL - GRAND RAPIDS, MI

Commissioned by the Rosa Parks Foundation, the larger than life sized sculpture is installed at the entry to the newly christened Rosa Parks Commemorative Park in downtown Grand Rapids, MI. It is composed of her statue standing in front of the Bronze Bus Seat she occupied.

 

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. & CORETTA SCOTT KING MEMORIAL - CITY OF ALLENTOWN, PA

Commissioned by the Martin Luther & Coretta Scott King Memorial Project of the Lehigh Valley Inc.. This is the first joint sculpture memorial honoring both Dr. King and his wife Coretta. It is installed at a park in Downtown Allentown.

 

SCULPTURE MEMORIAL TO THE INAUGURAL CEREMONY OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA - TRAVELING EXHIBIT

A private donor commissioned this memorial to the historic inauguration of the first African American President of The United States of America. It will include the life size imagery of the President Elect, Michelle Obama, Chief Justice Roberts, and the two Obama children. This replication of this historic event will travel the U.S and will be permanently displayed within the Smithsonian Museum system. The exhibit opened at the Colorado History Museum, with the second exhibit at the Smithsonian’s Colonial Williamsburg.

 

 

TULSA “RACE RIOT” MEMORIAL - CITY OF TULSA, OK

This memorial features two major sculptural installations on the sight of the 1921

Tulsa Race Riots, where the City of Greenwood was burned to the ground, and 330 African Americans were killed. The first sculpture of “Hope” is of bronze and granite construction. It features three bronze figures with the themes of Humiliation, Harassment & Hope. The sculptures stand on a circular pedestal with graphics engraved on the base and are separated by three 16’ high granite elements.

 

The second installation is a 27’ tall cylindrical “Tower of Reconciliation,” features in bas-relief form, the history of the African American experience from Africa, the Middle Crossing, Slavery, and the Trail of Tears from Florida to Oklahoma. The relief vividly depicts the experience of Blacks, Native Americans and Black Indians in Oklahoma from the 1830’s, slavery, the Civil War experience, Buffalo Soldiers, the building of the all Black town of Greenwood, the burning of Greenwood to the ground, the rebuilding of Greenwood, and today’s attempt at Reconciliation. Project Budget $5 Million .

 

UNITED HOUSE OF PRAYER HISTORIC MEMORIAL- LINCOLN MEMORIAL CEMETERY, SUITLAND, MD

This sculpture memorial was commissioned by the United Church in honor of the recently deceased titular head of the Church. The memorial includes the recently deceased Bishop Madison, with an 8’ tall heroic sculpture of him and his chair, an 8’ tall sculpture of Daddy Grace, the Founder of the United House of Prayer, and memorial plaques depicting the lives of these Bishops and the tenets of the Church. This is the second commission from the Church, as I also created the monumental sculpture of the last Bishop of the Church, Bishop McCollough that is installed at the Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Suitland, MD.

 

DARRENT WILLIAMS - EX-DENVER BRONCO PLAYER - DENVER, CO

This memorial was commissioned by the Denver Bronco Football organization and private donors to honor the life of Mr. Williams who was murdered in 2007 in downtown Denver. Mr. Williams was a sponsor of the Boys & Girls Club. The memorial sculpture will be placed at the new Boys & Girls Club in Denver.

 

HOTEL DENVER TECH - DENVER TECHNICAL CENTER, DENVER, CO

Commissioned by the Marriott Corporation to design and create a large abstract collage composed of eight monumental elements of granite, bronze, copper, wood and acrylic materials.

 

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. - HOUSTON, TX

A monumental sculpture of Dr. King, commissioned by the Hermann Park Conservatory Commission. The over life sized work is installed in the International sculpture Center on the 455 acre Hermann Public Park adjacent to the Texas Medical Center.

 

CHICAGO BLUES DISTRICT AND SCULPTURE PARK - CHICAGO, IL

Phase 1

A major sculpture tribute to the Chicago Blues era, this project included the redesign of six city blocks into a Blues & Jazz District. The design & installation of two major sculptures and signage entries to the district, streetscape design, landscaping and 48 sculptures affixed to light poles. The project includes four 27’ high constructed sculptural fixtures on the four corners of 47th & Martin Luther King Drive. Each fixtures features a 27’ high bronze cylinder, cut out in the front, with a 7’ high blues musician affixed to the top. The cylinders are internally lit with a powerful spotlight that travels up the tube and highlights the musician on top. There is a different musician on each of the four sculptures.

Phase 2

Blues Sculpture Park: This phase features a monumental tribute to the great musician, violinist and legendary music teacher Captain Walter Dyett. It is framed in a Sculpture Park setting, and accompanied by four bas-relief panels that relate the evolution of the Blues in Chicago using text and some 50 bronze images of the Blues greats of several eras. Also honored are the 100’s of students of Captain Dyett representing a Who’s Who of Jazz and Blues pioneers and legends.

 

SOLDIER’S MEMORIAL- LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, JEFFERSON CITY,MO

This work was commissioned by Lincoln University to honor the Civil War Soldiers and the white officer Captain Foster that founded the University as a Mecca of higher education for the Black soldiers that fought so valiantly in the 1800’s. The assemblage is installed on the campus “Main” and is part of a larger rebuilding and expansion program.

 

MAYOR HAROLD WASHINGTON - CHICAGO, IL

This major sculpture of the first black Mayor of Chicago was commissioned by Tobacco Road, Inc. and is installed in front of the newly opened “Harold Washington Theater and Cultural Center” in the new “Chicago Blues District,” on Chicago’s South Side.

 

DR. GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER - CITY OF PHOENIX, AZ

This over life size sculpture assemblage was commissioned by the City of Phoenix. It stands in front of the Carver Museum in lower downtown Phoenix.

 

DIZZY GILLESPIE MEMORIAL - CHERAW, SC

Commissioned by the City of Cheraw, SC to create a memorial sculpture of the great jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. Cheraw is the birthplace of Dizzy. The over life size sculpture is installed in the downtown City Square.

 

 

 

 

 

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR MEMORIAL - DENVER, CO

Commissioned by the City of Denver to create the largest Dr. King Memorial to date in the U.S. The memorial was installed in City Park. It includes a monumental sculpture of Dr. King, metaphorically standing on the shoulders of Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth and Mahatma Gandhi. The Memorial includes a chronological historical presentation using four bronze/granite elements with bas-relief sculptures and engraved text that highlight the actual chronology and Dr. King’s quotations on slavery through the promise of freedom.

 

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD MEMORIALS - DETROIT, MI & WINDSOR, CANADA

Commissioned by the Detroit 300 Commission , these two sculptures honor the involvement of Detroit and the State of Michigan in the Underground Railroad . The monument recognizes their network of operatives, safe houses and their serving as points of debarkation to Windsor, Canada. It also honors the City of Windsor and the State of Ontario as points of willing embarkation for safe refuge for thousands of enslaved Africans.

 

The Detroit sculpture component features two gateway pillars that bracket a

10’ x 10’ x 12’ high sculpture with a Railroad “Conductor” looking and pointing toward Canada and 9 slaves ready to board the boat to cross the Detroit River to safety. This assemblage is installed on the bank of the Detroit River on an existing river front promenade.

 

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD MEMORIALS - DETROIT, MI & WINDSOR, CANADA continued

The Windsor installation features a 22’ high granite “Freedom Tower” that also serves as a candle representing the “International Flame of Freedom.” On the United States side of the tower is a small slave girl, nostalgically looking back toward America. On the Canadian side are a male slave giving thanks, and a female slave holding a baby as a female Canadian Underground Railroad “operative” welcomes her. This component is installed near Riverfront Drive on the Canadian side.

 

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD MEMORIAL - BATTLE CREEK, MI

Commissioned by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, this 28' long by 14' high memorial is the largest memorial to the Underground Railroad in the United States. It features Harriett Tubman and Erastus & Sarah Hussey, the "Conductors" of the "Railroad" in Southern Michigan as well as 18 other supporting images of escaping slaves. It is installed on the grounds of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation headquarters in Battle Creek, MI.

 

JESSE OWENS - SPORTS HALL OF FAME, MONTGOMERY, AL

Commissioned by Mr. John Yung to create a sculpture of the Olympian Jesse Owens, installed in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

SOUTH CAROLINA BLACK HISTORY MEMORIAL - COLUMBIA, SC

Commissioned to create a major Black History Memorial depicting the visual history of African American involvement in the rich and controversial history of South Carolina. The sculpture tribute is of bronze and granite with a 23’ high obelisk and two arched granite walls that contain 12 bronze panels depicting the complete history of African American contributions to South Carolina from 1600 to the present. It depicts from Auction Blocks to Emancipation to Reconstruction, etc. The sculpture is installed on the State Capital Grounds in Columbia . Unveiled March 29, 2001

 

GEORGE WASHINGTON WILLIAMS - STATE HOUSE, COLUMBUS, OH

Commissioned by the State of Ohio, it is a bust of the first African American legislator in the State of Ohio. The sculpture was installed in a newly designated room in honor of Mr. Williams in the Ohio State house. Project installed: October 16, 2001

 

ALEX HALEY-KUNTE KINTE MEMORIAL - ANNAPOLIS, MD

Commissioned to create a memorial to Alex Haley, historian and “Roots” author. The memorial is installed at the same dock in Annapolis, MD that Mr. Haley’s ancestor Kunte Kinte debarked as a slave. The sculpture depicts Mr. Haley reading to a group of children. Unveiled December 1999

 

MOTHER OF AFRICA CHAPEL - THE NATIONAL SHRINE, WASHINGTON, DC

Commissioned to create the sculptures for the new Mother of Africa Chapel at the National Shrine. The work includes an over life-sized Madonna and 15’L x 5’H bas-relief depicting the African American struggle from slavery to freedom. Installed 1997

 

THE CONCERTO - FOLLIES THEATER, KANSAS CITY, MO

Commissioned by the Board of the Follies Theater, this sculpture is 12’ long x 8’ high. It depicts the conjoining of Jazz and Chamber Music as idiomatic art forms. It includes the various instruments floating in space.

 

SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD TRIBUTE - AAA MICHIGAN, DEARBORN, MI Commissioned to create an over life sized sculpture grouping dedicated to the Safety Patrol Crossing Guards. It now stands in front of the new Michigan Headquarters of AAA. The sculpture is composed of four ethnically balanced children en route to school.

 

U.S. WEST CORPORATION, HEADQUARTERS, PHOENIX, AZ

Two major sculptures depicting the cultures indigenous to the State of Arizona. One sculpture depicts the contribution of women in the early territory and one includes a Buffalo Soldier, Native American, Hispanic "Caballero" and an Anglo Miner.

 

 

 

B.B. KING SCULPTURE - MEMPHIS, TN

Commissioned by the City of Memphis to create a 1.5 life sized sculpture of the great Blues musician, B.B. King . It is installed along side a sculpture of Elvis Pressley in the newly constructed Memphis Visitors Bureau.

 

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. - MOREHOUSE COLLEGE, ATLANTA, GA A 20’ tall monument (including base) of DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, Jr., installed at the entrance to Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. Also installed a 27” bust of Dr. King, in the School Chapel.

 

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. - MOREHOUSE COLLEGE, ATLANTA, GA

A life-sized bust of DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, Jr., installed on the second floor of the School Chapel.

 

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.- CHAPMAN COLLEGE, ORANGE COUNTY, CA

An over life size bust of DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, Jr., installed at the entrance to the College Administration Building. The bust is installed in a sculpture Garden setting.

 

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. - SIOUX CITY, IA

Commissioned by the Sioux City, NAACP, the 3’x 4’ bas-relief bronze image of

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, Jr., is installed in the NAACP headquarters.

 

HANK AARON - ATLANTA BRAVES, ATLANTA, GA

In honor of his breaking the home run record of Babe Ruth, this 9’ foot tall monument on a 6’ marble base of the great HANK AARON was installed at the Atlanta-Fulton County (Braves) Stadium in Atlanta, GA in 1982.

PHIL NEIKRO - ATLANTA BRAVES BASEBALL, ATLANTA, GA

A 9’ tall monument of pitcher PHIL NEIKRO installed at the Atlanta-Fulton County (Braves) Stadium, Atlanta, GA.

 

MUHAMMAD ALI - LOS ANGELES, CA

Commissioned by Muhammad Ali Sports, Inc., the bronze sculpture of Muhammad Ali is engaged in a fight scene.

 

MALCOLM X SCULPTURE - MALCOLM X LIBRARY, SAN DIEGO, CA

Commissioned by the City of San Diego to create a 1.5 life-sized sculpture of the Muslim leader. The sculpture is installed at the entryway of the library.

 

SHEPARD SPINAL REHABILITATION CENTER, ATLANTA, GA

A 9’ tall monument dedicated to TERRY LEE , the 1980 wheelchair javelin and shot put champion is installed in Atlanta, GA.

 

 

HORSE FOUNTAIN SCULPTURE - CARIK SERVICES, DENVER, CO

Completed and installed an over life-sized fountain sculpture. The 11’W x 11’D x 7’H sculpture included three large horses in full raring and running motion. Project included the installation of the water system and design of the water flow pattern.

 

“ COUNTRY DOCTOR” - NAT’L MEDICAL ASSN, WASHINGTON, DC

Commissioned to create and install a larger than life sculpture of a “Country Doctor.” The sculpture was completed in November 1994 and is presently installed in the lobby of the Morehouse College Medical School. Atlanta, GA.

 

DR. BENJAMIN MAYS - MOREHOUSE COLLEGE, ATLANTA, GA

Commissioned to create and install a 9’ sculpture of the late President of Morehouse Dr. Benjamin Mays as well as a bas-relief portrait image of Mr. Howard Thurman. These sculptures are an integral part of larger memorial installations. Both were installed in May 1995

 

SACO DeBOER - DENVER CITY HALL, DENVER, CO

Recently completed and installed a twice life-sized sculpture of Architect Saco DeBoer in Denver’s City Hall. Mr. DeBoer was instrumental in designing much of the City’s street and park systems during the 1930-40’s.

 

BUFFALO SOLDIER - FEDERAL COURTHOUSE, DENVER, CO

Commissioned to enlarge and install a “Black Frontier Spirit” series sculpture called "Buffalo Soldier" in the new Federal Courthouse in downtown Denver.

 

WILLIAM SMITH - DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, DENVER, CO

Completed the 1.5 life-sized portrait sculpture of the late Mr. Bill Smith , former Director of Aviation for the City of Denver. Installed at Denver Int’l Airport.

 

PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON, WASHINGTON, DC

Commissioned to present a major jazz sculpture from the “Jazz: An American Art Form” series. Presented “Everything You Wanted to Know About Sax, But Were Afraid to Ask” to President Bill Clinton.

BISHOP W. McCULLOUGH - UNITED HOUSE OF PRAYER, WASHINGTON, DC

Commissioned to create a 1.6 life-sized sculpture of the late leader of the Church, Bishop W. McCollough. Installed at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery Suitland, MD.

 

AMERICAN JAZZ MUSIC AWARDS, MIAMI, FL

Selected to create the sculpture award for the First Annual American Jazz Music Awards in Miami, FL.

 

 

 

 

CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION, WASHINGTON

Commissioned for 10 years to create the annual awards. Also includes the commission of all other art images presented by the CBC to visiting foreign dignitaries and noted American recipients.

 

HONDA CAMPUS ALL-STAR CHALLENGE, LOS ANGELES, CA

Designed and created the annual awards presented to the national academic champions from America’s Black Colleges and Universities.

 

UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND, NEW YORK, NY

Designed and created the UNCF Annual Achievement Awards presented annually to persons that contribute to the UNCF goals.

 

ALABAMA MUSEUM OF ARCHIVES & HISTORY, MONTGOMERY, AL

Bust of BOOKER T. WASHINGTON commissioned by the Alabama Historical Museum, Montgomery, Alabama. This work accompanies the George Washington Carver bust previously installed.

 

DAVID T. KEARNS, RETIRED CHAIRMAN OF XEROX CORPORATION

Commissioned by the Xerox Corporation in honor of Mr. Kearns retirement as Chairman of the Company.

 

MR. VERN RIFFE - STATE HOUSE, COLUMBUS, OH

The larger than life sculpture of Ohio Congressman VERN RIFFE was commissioned in honor of his serving 25 years as the Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives.

 

A. PHILLIP RANDOLPH - UNION STATION, WASHINGTON, DC

The National AFL/CIO commissioned this larger than life-sized sculpture of A. PHILLIP RANDOLPH.

 

MICKEY LELAND MEMORIAL - HOUSTON INT’L AIRPORT, TX

Commissioned by the City of Houston, this is a larger than life-sized sculpture of Congressman MICKEY LELAND who was killed on a mission to feed the starving in Ethiopia.

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER - MONTGOMERY, AL

Larger than life-sized bust of DR. GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER installed in the Alabama Museum of Archives and History, Montgomery, AL.

 

FREDERICK DOUGLASS - NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, WASHINGTON

A life-sized bronze statue of the great abolitionist/ Statesman FREDERICK DOUGLASS, installed at the Douglass Museum in Anacostia, MD.

 

 

 

LOUIS B. RUSSELL, JR. - AMERICAN HEART ASSN, DALLAS, TX

LOUIS B. RUSSELL, JR. MEMORIAL. An 11’ tall outdoor bronze and steel memorial to the longest living heart recipient (at the time), at the American Heart Association Headquarters in Dallas, TX.

 

BRONNER MEMORIAL - ATLANTA, GA

Commissioned by Bronner Brother’s Inc. to create a monumental size sculpture of a hand that includes the image of the Company’s founder.

 

GOLDEN EAGLE SCULPTURES - BILL COORS, GOLDEN, CO

Completed and installed a series of bronze golden eagle sculptures on the private residence of Mr. Bill Coors, Chairman of Coors Brewery. This included the installation of a 40’ flagpole with an eagle mounted atop it.

 

ATLANTA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, ATLANTA, GA

Founder ALONZO HERNDON and son NORRIS HERNDON 1.5 life-sized sculptures installed in the insurance headquarters, Atlanta, GA.

 

BRUCE WATKINS - COMMUNITY CENTER, KANSAS CITY, MO

An over life-size bust of former Kansas City mayor, MR. BRUCE WATKINS, installed at the Watkins Center, Kansas City, Missouri.

 

BLUFORD LIBRARY, KANSAS CITY, MO

An over life-size bust of the managing editor, MS. LUCILLE BLUFORD, of the Kansas City Call Newspaper installed in Kansas City, MO. Ms. Bluford is the aunt of NASA Astronaut Guion Bluford.

 

ORGANIZATION OF BLACK AIRLINE PILOTS

General Colin Powell presented the initial presentation of the work to the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.. The sculpture depicts a World War II Tuskegee Airman pilot.

 

TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, INC

Several bronze awards presented to national personalities including General David C. Jones, General B.O. Davis, and Senator Barry Goldwater.

 

BEAR ARCHERY MUSEUM, GAINESVILLE, FL

A life-size bust of MR. FRED BEAR installed at the Bear Archery Museum in Gainesville, FL

C.L. HARPER MEMORIAL FUND, ATLANTA, GA

A 9’ tall bronze sculpture depicting C.L. HARPER, the first black high school principal in Atlanta, GA.

 

MOTOWN RECORDS, LOS ANGELES, CA

GROUP OF JAZZ MUSICIANS and other works installed at Motown headquarters in Los Angeles, CA.

 

A&M RECORDING COMPANY, LOS ANGELES, CA

GROUP OF JAZZ MUSICIANS is a group of life-sized Jazz musicians installed at the recording studios of A&M Records (Herb Albert) in Los Angeles, CA.

 

B.E.T. PRESIDENT, BOB JOHNSON, WASHINGTON, DC

Commissioned to create sculptures of Mr. Johnson’s children that are placed on his horse farm in Virginia. His daughter is a horse show champion with many awards.

 

J.D. WINSTON SCULPTURE, ATLANTA, GA

Completed a bust of Mr. J.D. Winston, an outstanding citizen of Atlanta.

 

B.E.T.’S SOUNDSTAGE RESTAURANT, WASHINGTON, DC

Created jazz sculptures that were installed in Soundstage restaurants in Washington, DC and Las Vegas, NV.

 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, WASHINGTON, DC

Currently six life-sized Jazz sculptures in the permanent collection: (1989-1991)

• Duke Ellington • Charlie Parker

• Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong • Dizzy Gillespie

• Miles Davis • Benny Goodman

 

CALIFORNIA AFRO-AMERICAN ART MUSEUM, LOS ANGELES, CA

Currently six life-sized Jazz sculptures in the permanent collection:

• Lionel Hampton (installed February, 1990)

• Bessie Smith (installed February, 1990)

• Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong (installed March 1990)

• Dizzy Gillespie (installed March, 1990)

• Charlie Parker (installed June, 1990)

• Ella Fitzgerald (installed September, 1990

 

GENE AUTRY MUSEUM, LOS ANGELES, CA

Currently four Western sculptures in the permanent collection:

• Buffalo Soldier

• Of Mixed Blood

• Corporal Clinton Greaves

• Seminole Negro Scout

 

ELLA FITZGERALD - LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, WASHINGTON, DC

Chicago art patron Geraldine Freund commissioned this over life-sized sculpture of Ms. Fitzgerald. It was first placed in the Harold Washington Library in Chicago, but has since been presented to the Library of Congress for their permanent collection.

 

 

 

 

PARTIAL LIST OF OTHER COMMISSIONS

 

• Atlanta, GA Polo Club

• Congressional Black Caucus

• Talbert Corporation

• United Negro College Fund

• Center for Neighborhood Enterprise

• California BAPAC

• Essence Magazine

• National Bar Association

• National Medical Association

• IBM Corporation

• Petroleum Club

• Paul Robeson Foundation

• J.C. Nichols Company

• Colorado Outward Bound

• Thelonius Monk Foundation

• Xerox Corporation

• Lee Elder Golf Tournament

• MLK Invitational Golf Tournament

• Honda, Inc.

• Coors Brewing Company

• The Links, International

• SEMA Engineering

• NAACP

• National Urban League

• City & County of Denver

• John Hope Franklin Center

• Denver Police Department

• Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity

• Dr. MLK National Memorial Foundation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SUMMARY OF THE ARTIST

 

Born: September 9, 1933, Kansas City, Kansas

 

Educational Highlights

• Private Catholic Elementary and High Schools

- National Honor Society

- Scholarship to Kansas City Art Institute

 

• Associate of Arts Degree, Engineering, Kansas City Community College, 1953

 

• Bachelor of Science Degree, Cum Laude - Aeronautical Engineering, Arizona State University, 1957 Received an Honorary PhD from Arizona State University, 1994.

 

• Master of Science (Equivalent) Degree, Astronautics - USAF Test Pilot & Aerospace Pilot School, 1962

 

• Master of Fine Art (MFA) in Sculpture, University of Denver, 1977

 

• Attended eleven different colleges and universities in pursuit of higher education. Attended over 50 management and specialty courses in conjunction with Air Force officer career requirements and flying duties.

 

Work History Summary

 

• U.S. Air Force Pilot, Engineer 1953-1962

• U.S. Air Force Astronaut Program, Test Pilot 1962-1966

• IBM Corporation - Marketing Representative, S.E 1966-1968

• Aviation Computer Consultant, Pilot, Exec. Aviation 19681969

• Real Estate Land Developer & Construction Engineer 1970-1975

• MFA Sculpture Candidate - Univ of Denver.

T/A Sculpture Department (University of Denver) 1975-1978

• Completed MFA Degree (Sculpture) Requirements 1977 • Sculptor - Full Time 1977-Present

 

 

Media

Over the years Ed has been featured in nearly every form of media highlighting his art career, his life experiences as the First African American Astronaut Candidate in America, event appearances, unveilings, seminars, lectures & honors too numerous to mention here.

 

Ed continues to make speaking engagements, conduct lectures, participate in Symposia & Seminars. Some of the more recent events include Keynote Speaking engagements & honors at prestigious venues including:

University of North Dakota - Graduate Aerospace Division

• Rothko Chapel - Houston, TX

• International Symposium on Slave Imagery - Monticello, VA

• Booth Museum of Western Art – Cartersville, GA

• Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO