What is the main idea of the biography?

Augusta Savage created important sculpture while building teaching spaces and opportunities for other Black artists. (The biography balances Savage’s own work with the institutions and access she created for others.)

Why was The Harp destroyed?

It was temporary, and funds were unavailable to preserve it permanently. (The third paragraph connects temporary fair construction with missing funds for casting or storage.)

What does “influence” mean in the final paragraph?

an effect on later people and institutions (Her teaching and organizing continue to affect art through students and institutions.)

What center did Savage direct?

the Harlem Community Art Center (The second paragraph directly names the Harlem Community Art Center.)

Augusta Savage Makes a Place for Artists: Level 2 Reading Comprehension Questions

Augusta Savage shaped clay as a child in Florida, despite a father who first opposed her art. She moved to New York and studied sculpture at Cooper Union. Her skill earned attention, but racism closed opportunities, including a summer program in France.

Savage continued creating portrait sculptures of Black leaders and children. She also taught. During the Harlem Renaissance, her studio became a place where young artists could learn even when money was scarce. She later directed the Harlem Community Art Center.

For the 1939 New York World's Fair, Savage created a large sculpture inspired by Black music. It was commonly called The Harp. Like many temporary fair works, it was destroyed after the event because funds were not available to cast or store it permanently.

Much of Savage's art has been lost, but her influence survives through students and institutions. She did more than seek a place in the art world. She made places where other artists could enter, practice, and be seen.

Comprehension questions