Artist Esther Augsburger “serves in love”

Photo by Josiah Garber

Tyler Kauffman takes advantage of the Esther K. Augsburger Art Center. The building was named after Augsburger because of her influential contributions to the school’s art program. Augsburger’s numerous sculptures around campus attest to her impact.

Although Esther Augsburger is a recognized name campus-wide, many current students are unaware of the great impact this humble woman has had on the school throughout the years.

Students aren’t quite sure what Augsburger has done, but they do know she is an "important lady." Freshman Jesse Yoder says, "I don’t know who she is for certain, but I know she’s done a lot for EMU."

Augsburger’s passion for art has far-reaching potential. Yet despite several awards, including EMU Alumna of the Year (in 1999) and the christening of the Esther K. Augsburger Art Center in her honor, Augsburger remains humble and giving. "I want to do anything I can to advance EMU’s interests in art. I want to help increase the aesthetic beauty of the university’s campus. I want to give my time, interest and expertise in gratitude." And she does just that.

Augsburger has sculpted for both private and public display across America and overseas. She organizes conferences for Christian artists in developing countries and has hosted workshops concerning work with International Artist Gatherings.

Augsburger has sculptures on the EMU campus which, according to sophomore art major Heather Jordan, "are unique and give people something to talk about."

Creating the white cement and marble sculpture outside the Seminary building was a spiritual challenge for Augsburger. It was her first sculpture for EMU and it was a meaningful experience which she undertook while living in India. Augsburger "felt God’s presence constantly while searching for a design that truly exemplified ‘Serving One Another In Love.’ That became a real focus for me and the project lasted for several months."

Augsburger also impacts people, including EMU students, off campus. Freshman Carmen Kennel remembers seeing Augsburger’s work in Washington, D.C. "I saw her art displayed in D.C. on a class trip. I think it was about ending gun violence."

Some of Augsburger’s other art contributions to EMU are the painting inside Martin Chapel and the red sculpture outside Northlawn.

According to Augsburger, her relationship with EMU is one of mutual gratitude; EMU greatly influenced the majority of her adult life and Augsburger wants to show her appreciation. The university was a vital part of Augsburger and her family’s lives for many years. Her husband, Myron, was president of EMU from 1965 to 1980, and Augsburger attended classes after her children were grown.

She enrolled in the university when the only art program was Art for Teachers, which focused on elementary art education. Augsburger’s passion for art was undaunted by the lack of opportunity on campus for art majors, and both EMU and her professors were flexible and allowed her to focus more on art for secondary education. Augsburger eventually pursued art through classes at JMU while completing all of her general education requirements at EMU. She was then able to graduate in 1971 as the first art major of Eastern Mennonite University.

Augsburger went on to start the art program at Eastern Mennonite High School, and while she did not personally begin the art program at EMU, Augsburger feels she "paved the way for a future art program at the university."

The Augsburgers later moved to Washington, D.C. where Augsburger helped begin art centers for underprivileged children. There she also began sculpting bronze for which she was later commissioned many times.

Though the name remains familiar on campus, the honors Augsburger has received may help students to more fully understand her and her dynamic role within the EMU community.