Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden
May 5 – October 27, 2025
Benedum Gallery, 2nd Floor
Art. Love. Determination.
A testament to American sculpture, the work of John Walter Rhoden (1916–2001) reflects a lifetime of creative devotion. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, he became interested in sculpture as a child and was encouraged by local artists and mentors before leaving for college, New York City, and eventually, the wider world.
Rhoden sculpted constantly, driven by an unshakable belief in his craft. He often described himself as a rebellious thinker, obsessed with the practice of sculpture and too determined to be derailed by the challenges of finding training, exhibition opportunities, or markets for his work.
More than a retrospective, the exhibition places Rhoden’s journey — from a young man in Alabama to an international cultural ambassador — within the broader story of African American creativity, resilience, and global influence. Spanning five decades, this collection of bronze, wood, stone, and archival materials traces the arc of Rhoden’s career and showcases the technical brilliance of a prolific, under-recognized sculptor.
Opening Reception
Thursday, May 8th
2nd Floor, Highmark Room
7:00-9:00pm
Gallery Hours
Thursday: 3pm-6pm
Friday: 3pm-6pm
Saturday: 1pm-5pm
Sunday: 1pm-5pm
Photo:Black and white photograph of John Rhoden working on an abstract sculpture in a metal shop, PAFA John Rhoden Digital Archive
John Walter Rhoden (1916–2001) was born in Birmingham, Alabama, where his passion for sculpture took root. Encouraged by local mentors, he created his first bust at age 16. Though his father died in a railroad accident and opportunities were limited in the segregated South, Rhoden was driven by a deep belief in his craft and a desire to rise beyond circumstances.
He studied at Talladega College, where Hale Woodruff encouraged him to pursue art in New York. There, he connected with Augusta Savage and Richmond Barthé, began formal training, and enlisted in the Army during WWII, where he continued sculpting. After the war, he studied at Columbia University, winning top sculpture honors and meeting painter Richenda Phillips, his lifelong partner. They married in Rome in 1954.
Travel played a powerful role in Rhoden’s life and work. He studied in Rome, journeyed through 20+ countries as a U.S. cultural ambassador, and later helped establish a bronze foundry in Indonesia. With each experience abroad, his perspective and purpose deepened. He returned to Brooklyn in the 1960s, where he continued to sculpt, teach, and exhibit. Grounded in love and guided by ambition, Rhoden lived a life shaped by art—and shaped the world in return.
Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden is organized by the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
Determined To Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden is made possible thanks to the following generous supporters.
Lead support and artwork provided by the estate of Richanda Rhoden. Major support is provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art, William Penn Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support is provided by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art and donors to PAFA’s Special Exhibition Fund. Lead support for the exhibition catalogue is provided by the Henry Luce Foundation. The organization and digitization of the John Rhoden Archives at PAFA was made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
Generous support provided by Art Bridges.
