William Edmondson (1874–1951) was the most notable sculptor active in Tennessee during the 1930s and 40s, and today he remains one of the most important American folk artists of the twentieth century. During his life he was well known for his yard art, such as whimsical birdbaths and “critters” of real and imaginary provenance, sculptures of everyday people, and the grave markers he carved for African American families. 

The Sculpture of William Edmondson is the first museum examination of artist William Edmondson’s career in over twenty years. Featuring twelve of his sculptures, photographs by noted photographer Louise Dahl-Wolfe, and ephemera, the exhibition draws upon new scholarship to contextualize Edmondson’s sculpture.

This exhibition was organized by Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art, Nashville, Tennessee and curated by Marin R. Sullivan.