Fern Cunningham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fern Cunningham
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| Born | January 24, 1949 |
| Died | August 19, 2020 (aged 71) |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Fern Cunningham-Terry |
| Alma mater | Boston University |
| Occupation | Sculptor |
Fern Cunningham (born January 24, 1949 – died August 19, 2020) was an amazing American sculptor. She created many beautiful artworks. One of her most famous pieces is the Harriet Tubman Memorial in Boston. This was the very first statue in Boston to honor a woman on public land!
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Growing Up and Learning
Fern Cunningham was born in New York City. She spent her childhood in places like Alaska and northern New York. Her mom was an art teacher, a potter, and a painter. Her dad worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He helped people with a sickness called tuberculosis. Fern loved art too. She went to Boston University and studied sculpture there.
Her Career as an Artist
After finishing college, Fern stayed in Boston. She taught art at the Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts. She also taught at the Park School in Brookline.
First Big Projects
In the 1990s, Fern got her first big art job. She was asked to make a statue for the Joseph E. Lee School in Dorchester. This artwork was called Earth Challengers. It shows three small children holding up the world.
After that, the city asked her to create more art.
- Family Circle (1996): This bronze sculpture is in Roxbury. It shows a mom and dad hugging to protect their child.
- The Sentinel (2003): This sculpture shows an African woman watching over the Forest Hills Cemetery.
- Rise (2005): This is a huge monument, 20 feet tall! It's made of granite and bronze. It stands in Mattapan Square and celebrates the history of Mattapan.
The Harriet Tubman Memorial
One of Fern's most famous works is the Harriet Tubman memorial. It is called Step on Board. This large bronze sculpture is seven feet tall and ten feet wide. It stands at the entrance to Harriet Tubman Park in Boston's South End. This park is part of the Boston Women's Heritage Trail.
The statue shows a young Harriet Tubman carrying a Bible. She is leading a small group of people to freedom. This memorial was put up in 1999. It was the first statue on city land in Boston to honor a woman. Fern later said she wanted the artwork to make people think, "Who is a hero?"
Who Inspired Her?
Fern Cunningham was inspired by other famous artists. She really liked Auguste Rodin, especially his work Burghers of Calais. She saw it when she was a student in France. Other artists who influenced her included Elizabeth Catlett, Henry Moore, Augusta Savage, and Michelangelo.
Awards and Recognition
Fern Cunningham received many awards for her amazing art.
- Beta Beta Boulé Award (2000)
- Appreciation Award from the Roxbury Action Program (2003): This was for including African-American history in her art.
- Drylongso Award (2004): This award honors African Americans who fight against racism.
- Renaissance Living Legend Award from the Boston Renaissance Charter School (2005)
Fern Cunningham passed away on August 19, 2020, when she was 71 years old.
