Trained at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston (1906–1912), Edwin Augustus Harleston (1882–1931) was a portrait artist and early-20th-century civil rights activist in Charleston, South Carolina. With his wife, Elise Forrest Harleston (1891–1970), a professionally-trained photographer, he established The Harleston Studio, dedicated to producing portrait photos and paintings that countered the misrepresentation of Black Americans in the American culture of the period.
With music by Harl Fleming (1916–2007), Edwin Harleston’s nephew, a composer, choral director, and music educator, this film takes a deep dive into the lives and works of Teddy and Elise as they struggle to realize their dreams. TENACITY is a tour of early-20th-century American Fine Art and a story of determination and heartbreak.
In collaboration with USC Press, there will be a talkback after the film with Akua McDaniel, director of the film.
