The National Sculpture Society awards Wesley Wofford with the Herbert Adams Memorial Award. The Award is presented as the occasion arises for the advancement of sculpture, either through service to American sculpture or to a sculptor for outstanding achievement.

Alicia Ponzio, FNSS, who serves as the chair of NSS’ Honors and Awards Committee states that, “Wesley is deeply committed to figurative sculpture and the NSS community. He’s an excellent sculptor and prolific artist. In his quest to portray heroes of social justice, he’s inspired a dialog around figurative sculpture as public art.” Heidi Wastweet, FNSS who served on the Committee as well, adds, “Wesley Wofford is the single bravest artist I know. He is not only skilled and talented as many artists are, but he puts in the hard work and takes chances. He puts himself on the line every day to make art that matters. There are no shortcuts for Wesley whether that is sewing authentic costumes or consulting with subject experts and fellow artists. The resulting sculptures are dynamic and deeply emotional. With the harmonious partnership and support of his wife Odyssey, those works make their way out into the world to enhance our public spaces and communities.”

Wesley’s monumental installations and portraits can be found throughout the United States, including the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park (Haverstraw, NY), Nebraska State Capitol (Lincoln, NE), and The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Burbank, CA). Wofford’s 9’ Harriet Tubman Monument, “The Journey to Freedom,” was featured on the cover of the Fall 2020 Issue of Sculpture Review magazine. It is touring the country as a traveling exhibition, set to debut in September at the International African American Museum in Charleston, SC. Wofford’s other tribute to Harriet Tubman, “The Beacon of Hope,” is installed at the Dorchester County Courthouse in Cambridge, MD, Tubman’s birthplace. Wesley’s current project is “Whispers of My Ancestor.” This statue depicts Tubman whispering encouraging words to her great-nephew, James Alfred Bowley. Bowley was one of the first enslaved people that Tubman freed. Once complete, the 30” bronze will reside in the children’s section of the Georgetown Library (Georgetown, SC).

In 2011, Wofford became an Elected Sculptor Member, advancing to Fellow in 2016. He joined the National Sculpture Society’s Board of Directors in 2018, serving until 2022. Past NSS Board Members and Herbert Adams Memorial Award recipients include Donald De Lue (in 1967) – who created the iconic Rocket Thrower in Flushing Meadows, NY, and Elisabeth Gordon Chandler (in 1997) – co-founder of Lyme Academy of Fine Arts (Old Lyme, CT). Recent recipients include Meredith Bergmann (in 2021), sculptor of Central Park’s Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument, and 2022 Venice Biennale representative Simone Leigh (in 2023). The award will be presented on September 21^st at the Honors and Awards Dinner at the Eiteljorg Museum, part of the Sculpture Celebration events held in Indianapolis, IN.