Albert Alexander Smith facts for kids

Albert Alexander Smith (born September 17, 1896 – died April 3, 1940) was a talented American artist, illustrator, and jazz musician. He was known around the world for his art during the 1920s and 1930s.

Early Life and Education

Albert Smith was born in New York City on September 17, 1896. He grew up in a neighborhood called San Juan Hill, Manhattan. He was the only child of Elizabeth A. Smith, who was a homemaker, and Albert Renford Smith, who worked as a chauffeur. Both of his parents came from Bermuda.

In 1911, Albert finished Public School No. 70. He then went to DeWitt Clinton High School for two years. In 1913, he received a special scholarship called the Wolfe scholarship. This allowed him to switch to the Ethical Culture School, where he studied art with a teacher named Irene Weir.

Becoming an Artist

In 1915, Smith started studying at the National Academy of Design. He was the very first African-American student to attend this famous art school. While there, he won many important awards. These included the Snydum medal in 1917, and both the Chaloner prize and the Tanner Gold medal in 1919.

During World War I, in 1917, Smith joined the army. He played music in the 807 Pioneer Band. He served overseas for about two and a half months with the American Expeditionary Forces. He was honorably discharged from the army in July 1919. After his time in the military, he returned to the National Academy of Design to continue his art studies.

Life in Europe

In June 1920, Albert Smith moved to Paris, France, and began living abroad. He played music with different bands, often at night. During the day, he created many artworks showing famous tourist spots and everyday scenes.

In 1922, he traveled to Italy. There, he studied the works of famous Italian old masters (great artists from the past). He also continued to perform as a musician. Around this time, he started making art that focused on Black people and their achievements. He also created works about unfair treatment (racial discrimination) in the United States. In 1923, he went to Liège, Belgium, to study printmaking at the Académie des Beaux-Arts.

He received a special honor called a Harmon Award. This award recognized important achievements by African Americans.

Later Life and Legacy

Albert Smith passed away in Paris, France on April 3, 1940. He was 44 years old. His artworks are now kept in many important museums and collections. These include the National Portrait Gallery, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Melvin Holmes Collection of African American Art.