SMITHSBURG – On a spring day in 1883, the world was introduced to an award-winning artist whose grace and beauty as a sculptor would touch the world. The date was April 23, and the place was Smithsburg where Emily Clayton Bishop was born to community civil engineer John Hoye Bishop (1842-1928) and his wife, Alice. From her earliest years growing up in the small western town, Emily developed a passion for art and a talent that needed to break out and be nourished.
At the age of 16, the talented young artist enrolled at first, the Maryland Institute of Art which is located in Baltimore. While in Baltimore, she received an art teaching certificate from Johns Hopkins University. As her abilities became more honed, she then attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and while there she learned from one of the masters, William Merritt Chase (1849-1916).
Chase was so impressed with Emily’s work that he took it with him to New York City where he would showcase it. Emily’s talents as an artist earned her summer scholarships that took her overseas to study in places like England, Italy and Greece.
Throughout her extensive education, Emily would master working with clay and plaster; she would also carve beautiful works of art in limestone, such as her piece “Group Showing the Present Condition of the Country” (c. 1907).
After graduating in 1911, Emily and her friend and fellow artist, Beatrice Fenton (1887-1983) opened a studio in Philadelphia, where Emily was commissioned to supply pieces to many of the local businesses.
It was her work with plaster and clay that really resonated with art lovers. Quite possibly one of her greatest pieces, “Conquest of the Northwest Through Agriculture” (c.1908) is on display at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts located in Hagerstown. The great work of art is part of the “American Narratives” collection.
Sadly, Emily’s life was cut short just one year after graduating from school. On March 1, 1912, at the young age of 29, Emily died from heart disease. While her life was gone suddenly, her legacy continues to live on through the art she created. Her sculptures can be seen at many art museums around the world, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
In her lifetime, Emily won several awards including the Packard Prize in 1904, which is given in the field of art writing. In 1905, she won the George B. McClellan Anatomy Award while going to school in Philadelphia. Emily is also remembered for being a pioneer for women in art. After her death, The New York Times printed a tribute stating she was “one of the most promising of America’s young sculptors.”
Emily is laid to rest in Smithsburg Cemetery. A beacon of light that was extinguished far too soon and a visionary sculptor that stands in a class of her own.
