John Rhoden Sculpture Garden

The John Rhoden Sculpture Garden at the Hammonds House Museum, is its first permanent outdoor installation dedicated solely  to  John Rhoden’s work, has quickly become defining attraction for the Museum featuring ten striking bronze and one teak wood sculptures, the garden not only honors Rhoden’s legacy but also elevates the museum’s profile as a destination for art lovers and  cultural  events.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, John Rhoden (1916-2001) showed sculpting prowess early in his youth. As a student at Talladega College (1934-36), he met artist Hale Woodruff who advised him to visit New York City. Following Woodruff’s advice, Roden went to New York and met major figures who were crucial to his artistic development including Alain Locke, writer, philosopher, educator and the acknowledged “dean” of the Harlem Renaissance; Augusta Savage, sculptor and founder of Savage Studio of Arts and Crafts; and nationally acclaimed artist Jacob Lawrence.