“Harmony in Stone: The Song of Hiawatha in Sculpture and Sound”

Shawnya Harris, Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson Curator of African American and African Diasporic Art, will give a short talk on Edmonia Lewis, followed by a musical performance by Hugh Hodgson School of Music students.

Between 1866 and 1872, Lewis completed a series of marble sculptures on the popular theme of Hiawatha and Minnehaha, drawn from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem “The Song of Hiawatha” (1855). In 1898 Black British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor premiered a trilogy of cantatas based on Longfellow’s poem. We are proud to present the debut of a new four-hand piano arrangement of Coleridge-Taylor’s piece, performed by Evanthia Pangaou and Jet Chong, and arranged by Peter Underhill, all doctoral students at UGA’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music.

Stick around after the curator talk and music for a reception to celebrate “Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone.” Join us for beverages and light bites provided by the Lark Winespace, as well as donuts from Café Racer (Edmonia Lewis’ favorite!). $15 per person (complimentary for Reciprocal level members and above). Registration is required.

The talk and musical performance are free and open to the public. The reception requires registration and is paid (except for Reciprocal-level members and above).

General registration(opens in new tab)

If you’re a Reciprocal-level member, watch your email for your special link or contact us at jointhemuseum@uga.edu.