SELMA HORTENSE BURKE-A proud African-American Sister, born in Mooresville, North Carolina in 1900. Early on, she possessed a natural talent and desire to create artistically, however her mother urged that she educate herself in a stable profession. But this didn't deter Selma, her developing talents and artistic abilities continued to flourish, while she worked toward her nursing career. She attended Slater Industrial and State Normal School founded in 1892 (since merged into the Winston-Salem State University in 1969 and then merged into the University of North Carolina in 1972.)
By 1924, after attending The Women's Medical College in Philadelphia and St.
Agnes School of Nursing in Raleigh, N.C., she attained the degree of R.N.
Selma then moved to New York City where she worked in her field.
Meanwhile, her artistic aspirations were ever present as Selma earned a Rosenwald Foundation Fellowship in 1935 and in 1936 earned a Bochler Foundation Fellowship. The awards enabled her to travel to Europe where she studied in Germany and Italy. Studying ceramics under the guidance of Povoleny in Vienna, sculpting with Oronzio Maldarelli in Paris, and with Cornaham in New York City.
Returning to New York in 1941, Selma focused her energies toward attaining a Masters of Fine Arts at Columbia University. She taught for a while at the Harlem Art Center in New York City and was an instructor of art and sculpture at many other colleges and universities.
By age 70, this extraordinary individual finally attained her Doctorate in Arts and Letters at Livingston College, Salisbury, North Carolina.
Dr. Selma Hortense Burke has received numerous awards and commissions for her flair in art, particularly sculpture and she directed a school of art in New York City in Greenwich Village, and The Selma Burke Art Center in Pittsburgh.

Dr. Burke sculpted in brass, stone, and wood. Her favorite subjects were historical figures and nudes. Noted art historian James A. Proter (1905-1970) once remarked, "There is an idealistic intent in her sculpture, a quality that was evoked in her pieces Lafeyette (1938) and Salome (n.d.) which were exhibited in the McMillan Galleries in New York in 1941."
This remarkable artist, dedicated teacher and winner of the 1943 competition sponsored by the Fine Arts Commission for the District of Columbia, has many achievements and works to her credit. One of the most famous designs noted, is the bronze bust of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which he posed for in 1944. This image was commissioned and minted on the face of the "DIME" that we use today.
But, as with many African-American Achievers, Dr. Burke's recognition was purposely suppressed, as the initials minted on the coin is that of the engravers (John Sinnock) not hers. Sadly, Dr. Burke has never truly received the "proper recognition" for her prestigious creation. However, in 1945, President Harry S. Truman unveiled the bronze bust of FDR, which is on record to her credit and displayed at the Recorder of Deeds Building in Washington, D.C.
The extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of this scholastic achiever, compassionate nurse, talented artists, acclaimed instructor, and brave soul is truly an inspiration to us all. Renowned Artistic, Dr. Selma Hortense Burke passed away on August 29, 1995.