Anacostia Community Museum Archives

Edward (Ed) Dwight, Jr. Research materials

Summary

Collection ID:
ACMA.03-009
Creators:
Anacostia Community Museum
Dates:
1983
Languages:
English
.
Physical Description:
1.66 Linear feet
1 box, 1 Oversize folder
Repository:

Biographical / Historical

Biographical / Historical
The Kansas City Kansas native Edward J. Dwight, Jr. born on September 9, 1933, has lived a life filled with accomplishments, in both aviation and the arts. Following his service in the U.S. Air Force, where he made history as the first African American astronaut trainee Dwight's career took an unexpected yet inspiring turn towards sculpting. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Arizona State University, "With Distinction" and pursued post-graduate studies in engineering and mathematics. Driven by his love for art he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture from the University of Denver refining his craft and paving the way for a journey in the arts.
He has garnered acclaim for his expertise in creating large scale sculptures with one standout piece being a 16-foot statue honoring baseball icon Hank Aaron displayed at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia. His bronzes have been highlighted in galleries and museums nationwide earning him praise for his technical prowess and the profound themes conveyed through his creations. Drawing on his grasp of form and structure rooted in his engineering background Dwight's sculptures serve as a fusion of these two disciplines seamlessly displayed through his work.
Dwight has not only excelled in his art, but he has also played a crucial role, as an educator, sharing his expertise and love for sculpture with students. His impact goes beyond his creations inspiring others to delve into the world of expression and recognize the significance of preserving history through art. Teaching for Dwight is an extension of his purpose guaranteeing that the narratives and achievements of African Americans are respected and safeguarded for generations to come.
A prominent feature of his work lies in his dedication to chronicling the triumphs of African Americans through his bronze sculptures. His statement, "I started researching black history and wherever there was a blank page, I filled it with my sculptures" highlights his commitment to bridging historical gaps. His sculptures act as a repository of American history capturing the resilience, strength, and contributions of those he portrays. His art not only pays homage to the past, but it also ensures that these significant stories endure and are valued in both present times and, beyond.

Administration

Author
Finding aid created by Tonijala D. Penn in August 2024.
Processing Information
Collection level record created by Jennifer Morris in 2017, then further processed by Tonijala D.Penn in 2024.

Using the Collection

Restrictions on Access
Use of the materials requires an appointment. Please contact the archivist to make an appointment: ACMarchives@si.edu.
Preferred Citation note
Edward (Ed) Dwight, Jr. Research materials, Anacostia Community Museum, Smithsonian Institution

Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
African Americans Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
African American artists Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Sculptors Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Colorado Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Correspondence Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Contact sheets Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Exhibition catalogs Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Clippings Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Negatives Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Photographic prints Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Photographic slides Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Anacostia Community Museum Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Anacostia Neighborhood Museum Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Dwight, Edward, Jr., 1933- Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Anacostia Community Museum Archives
1901 Fort Place, SE
Washington, D.C. 20020
Business Number: Phone: 202-633-4853
ACMArchives@si.edu