The Scandalous Sculptress: Edmonia Wildfire Lewis

Edmonia Lewis, the American sculptor led a life riddled with scandals. The Civil War era artist was unique. She was a mixed race, college educated woman in a man's world. it wasn't easy being a Haitian American, Native American mixed race during the Civil War. Wildfire, as her native relatives named her had an wild spirit in her four foot tall frame. In the midst of accusations of murder and thievery she came out on the top. Her famous sculptures included all the big names in history. She rose to artistic stardom but her enemies were as close as her friends. Over and over they conspired to ruin her reputation and career. At the peak of her success, she would create the most scandalous of sculptures. The unwelcome reception led to a mystery over 100 years old, hidden until now.