State Historical Society of Iowa

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Title:
  • Sand Art - George Washington
Description:
  • Pictured Rocks Sand Art by Andrew Clemens, 1857-1894; images created using sand in natural colors as found in the ravine north of Pikes Peak near McGregor, Iowa. Sometimes called "sand painting," the work is comprised of individual grains of sand.

    Images of George Washington, two American Indians, a paddle steamer and the Great Seal of State of Iowa. Signed and dated using grains of sand inside the container by Andrew Clemens. Arranged in a curved topped glass bottle with a sealed foot. 11.75 x 4.125

    Andrew Clemens was born in Dubuque, Iowa, January 29, 1857 and died at McGregor, Iowa, May 12, 1894. As a deaf and mute person he received his education at Council Bluffs, Iowa. Clemens lost his hearing as a boy due to "brain fever," either meningitis or encephalitis, and could not hear or speak, thus in the period he was called the "deaf mute, artist." The donation record also stated, "This is now a lost art."

    Collection also includes wooden tools used to make sand art. The tools include two tamping sticks, two sharpened manipulating sticks and a stick with a tin cup that holds about 1/4 teaspoon of sand.

    Sand art donated by Elsie Clemens (Mrs. Ray Clemens). In 1922, she had married Raymond Andrew Clemens (1882-1940), the son of Emma Clemens and John J. Clemens, Andrew's older brother. Elsie and Ray had no children. Tools donated by Ray Webb. Ray's oldest sister Ruth had married Albert Clemens, another brother of Andrew.

    The George Washington bottle is believed to have been made by Clemens for his mother, Margaretha (1828-1912). Her name was sometimes adapted to Margaret in census records. He worked on this bottle off and on for about 18 months.
Accession Number:
  • 842
Location:
  • Des Moines
Discipline:
  • Art
Object Name(s):
  • sand paintings (visual works),
Date(s):
  • 1888
Maker(s):
  • Clemens, Andrew,
Search Term(s):
Dimensions:
  • H 11.75 in; Diam 4.125 in
Permanent Record Link:
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State Historical Society of Iowa

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