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) is a talented Canadian sculptor and painter. She is famous for her amazing bronze sculptures. One of her most well-known works is a bust (a sculpture of a head and shoulders) of Sojourner Truth. This sculpture is proudly displayed in Emancipation Hall at the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C..

The bust of Sojourner Truth was first shown in 2009. It was a very special moment because it was the first statue in the U.S. Capitol to honor an African-American woman. Artis Lane also created a sculpture of Rosa Parks. This sculpture was even displayed in the Oval Office when Joe Biden was president.

About Artis Lane's Life

Artis Lane was born in North Buxton, a small town in Ontario, Canada. This community was home to many families whose ancestors had found freedom in Canada through the Underground Railroad. When Artis was two years old, her family moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was there that she began to discover her love for drawing and painting.

After finishing high school, Artis received a scholarship. This allowed her to study art at the Ontario College of Art in Toronto, Ontario. Once she earned her degree, she moved to Detroit, Michigan. She was newly married to a journalist named Bill Lane. In Detroit, she continued her art education at the Cranbrook Academy of Art.

Artis Lane's Art and Creations

Artis Lane's sculptures often show deep spiritual ideas. She believes that growing in spiritual awareness is a journey that never ends. She also thinks that everyone is connected to a powerful, universal force. Her art tries to show these important truths.

Bust of Sojourner Truth (2009)

Artis Lane uses many different ways to create her art. She makes sketches, paints with oil, creates bronze sculptures, and even does collages. One of her famous bronze portraits is of Rosa Parks, a brave civil rights leader. This sculpture has been shown at the National Portrait Gallery. It was also displayed in the Oval Office during President Biden's time. In 1999, Artis Lane even designed the Congressional Medal of Honor for Rosa Parks. In 2021, a gallery called Collected Detroit featured her portraits of Rosa Parks in an exhibit called "Steps Towards Justice."

Artis Lane has also created other important works. She made a series of bronze portraits for the Soul Train Awards. She also designed the first logo for the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She has created portraits and sculptures of many famous and important people. These include actors like Cary Grant and leaders like Nelson Mandela. She also sculpted former presidents and first ladies, such as Barbara Bush and George H. W. Bush.

The National Congress of Black Women asked Artis Lane to create a bronze bust of Sojourner Truth. Sojourner Truth was a powerful advocate for women's rights and worked to end slavery. On April 28, 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama helped unveil the bust. It is now a permanent display in Emancipation Hall at the Capitol Visitor Centre. This made Sojourner Truth the first black woman to be honored with a bust at the U.S. Capitol.

Awards and Special Honors

Artis Lane has received several awards for her amazing work.

In 2007, the California African American Museum gave her a Lifetime Achievement Award. They also held a special show of her art, looking back at her career.

In 2013, Artis Lane was honored again. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women's Caucus for Art.