Artis Lane facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Artis Lane
Lane at the unveiling of her bust of Sojourner Truth at the U.S. Capitol
Born	Artis Shreve 1927 (age 97–98) North Buxton, Ontario, Canada
Nationality	Canadian American
Education	Ontario College of Art, Cranbrook Academy of Art
Known for	Portrait artist, sculptor, painter
Notable work	Portrait of Sojourner Truth, Emancipation Hall, Capitol Visitor Center

Artis Lane (born Artis Shreve in 1927) is a talented Black Canadian artist. She is famous for her beautiful sculptures and paintings. One of her most well-known works is a bronze statue of Sojourner Truth. This statue is on display in Emancipation Hall at the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C.

The Sojourner Truth statue was revealed in 2009. It was the very first statue in the U.S. Capitol to honor an African-American woman. Artis Lane also created a sculpture of Rosa Parks. This sculpture is currently in the Oval Office of President Biden.

Artis Lane's Early Life and Education

Artis Lane was born in North Buxton, Ontario, Canada. This small town is near Chatham. Many people in North Buxton are descendants of slaves who found freedom in Canada. They traveled there using the Underground Railroad.

When Artis was two years old, her family moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Here, she started to develop her love for drawing and painting. After finishing high school, she earned a scholarship. This scholarship allowed her to attend the Ontario College of Art in Toronto, Ontario.

After getting her degree, Artis Lane moved to Detroit, Michigan. She married journalist Bill Lane there. She continued her art studies at the Cranbrook Academy of Art.

Artis Lane's Artistic Creations

Artis Lane's art often focuses on deep spiritual ideas. She believes that spiritual understanding is always growing. She also thinks that all humans are connected by a universal force.

Bust of Sojourner Truth (2009) by Artis Lane

Lane uses many different art forms. She creates sketches, oil paintings, bronze sculptures, and collages.

Honoring Rosa Parks Through Art

One of her important works is a bronze portrait of Rosa Parks. This sculpture was made for the Smithsonian Institution. It has been shown at the National Portrait Gallery. It is also displayed in the Oval Office of President Biden. In 1999, Artis Lane designed the Congressional Medal of Honor for Rosa Parks. In 2021, a gallery called Collected Detroit showed an exhibit. It was called "Steps Towards Justice" and featured Lane's portraits of Rosa Parks.

Celebrating Sojourner Truth

The National Congress of Black Women asked Lane to create a bronze statue. This statue would honor Sojourner Truth. Sojourner Truth was a strong supporter of women's rights and an abolitionist. An abolitionist is someone who worked to end slavery.

First Lady Michelle Obama revealed the bust on April 28, 2009. It is now a permanent display in Emancipation Hall. This hall is part of the Capitol Visitor Centre. This made Sojourner Truth the first black woman to have a statue in the U.S. Capitol.

Other Famous Works

Artis Lane has also created many other artworks.

• She made a series of bronze portraits for the Soul Train Awards.
• She designed the first logo for the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
• She has created portraits and sculptures of many famous people. These include Cary Grant, Nelson Mandela, Michael Jordan, and former President George H. W. Bush.

Awards and Special Recognition

Artis Lane has received several important awards for her art.

• In 2007, the California African American Museum gave her a Lifetime Achievement Award. They also showed a special collection of her work.
• In 2013, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women's Caucus for Art.