A new hour-long feature documentary, Augustus Saint-Gaudens: Master of American Sculpture, is being produced by the Trustees of the Saint-Gaudens Memorial with assistance from the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site. Paul Sanderson, of Our Town Films, Inc. is the film’s producer and director.

Although millions today see Saint-Gaudens’ work in museums and public places, few know the man behind the art. The film will introduce new audiences to this artist and his work and show how he influenced American cultural life through the art of sculpture and as teacher and supporter of the arts. The documentary will cover Saint-Gaudens life, from his birth in Dublin, Ireland and childhood in New York City, though his rise to prominence in the art world both in Europe and the United States, and his continued legacy as one of the country’s greatest artists.

The film had its first advanced screening on Friday, July 13, 2007, at Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H. Additional advanced screenings and symposia are scheduled at the Smithsonian Institution (September 7), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (September 23), the Philadelphia Museum of Art (September 30), the Art Institute of Chicago (March 8, 2008), and with other locations anticipated. The film will air on New Hampshire Public Television during Spring 2008.

As a producer-director and president of Our Town Films, Paul Sanderson has enjoyed success in creating television documentaries and educational programs. Since founding Our Town Films in 1992, Mr. Sanderson has won over 30 national awards, including seven CINE Golden Eagles. His programs have appeared on NBC, PBS, The Discovery Channel, A&E Network, The History Channel and CNBC.

Most recently, Mr. Sanderson produced and directed The Gate of Heaven: The Story of Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue. This hour-long documentary portrays one of America’s preeminent parish churches through its 175 years of development. The film received a CINE Golden Eagle Award, a Crystal Award of Excellence, and a Telly Award.

A special symposium on Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ artwork and legacy, was held at the Dartmouth College Hood Museum of Art during the afternoon prior to the film opening. The event featured presentations by four scholars of the sculptor’s work.

Earlier in the day at the Ticknor Room of Rauner Library, there was a special guided viewing of the Dartmouth Library’s Cornish Colony Collections. The library holds a rich collection of archival material on Augustus Saint-Gaudens and other members of the Art Colony that flourished in Cornish and Plainfield, N.H. from 1885-1935.

Did You Know?
In 1940, Augustus Saint-Gaudens was honored in a series of U.S. postage stamps commemorating artists. His portrait appeared on the 3 cent stamp, first class postage at the time.