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Dive Deeper

Discover more about the art, history, and experiences that bring the Taft Museum of Art to life—within and beyond its walls!

A Journey to Conservation: In Conversation with Frederick A. Wallace, 1995 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence

26 August 2026

In 1995, Frederick A. Wallace, conservator, was named the 9th Duncanson Artist-in-Residence at the Taft Museum of Art. But what was his journey to the world of art like, and how did he become a conservator? In this interview, Jae Washington of Cincinnati's Conscience sits down with Wallace to discuss how conservation impacted his career and creative process, and some of his favorite things in Cincinnati.

How Does a Conservator Help Tell an Object’s Story? Unveiling the Beauty of European Fans

24 August 2026

In preparation for the exhibition "Unfolding Elegance: European Fans from the Taft Collection", objects conservator Betsy Allaire spent over a year documenting, researching, and treating the Taft Museum of Art’s fans. Thanks to Allaire, we have a better understanding of what these works of art looked like when they were first made around 300 years ago, having devoted countless hours addressing areas of loss, reducing surface grime, and tending to repairs old and new. Learn more about the complex techniques, processes, and materials she worked with through this project!

Who was Ragnar Lodbrok?

08 July 2026

Henrik Møller, a skilled goldsmith, was one of the foremost proponents of the Norse-revival Dragon Style. His creations feature strange beasts, mythical figures, and intricate patterns, often accompanied by rune-like texts. Møller showed his work at major expositions and catered to a wealthy cosmopolitan clientele. One of his standout creations is this silver tureen that tells the tale of Ragnar Lodbrok, a legendary Viking king and hero. His exploits unfold across the surface, from his complicated courtship with his wife Áslaug to his dramatic death in a snake pit.

Ancestral Serendipity: In Conversation with Ayana Ross

07 July 2026

Seeking to celebrate, preserve, and contextualize the stories and histories she loves, 2026 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence and visual artist Ayana Ross uses paintings as a means to do so with love and craft. In this interview with Jae Washington from Cincinnati's Conscience, Ross explores her personal history, familial histories, the serendipity of the Duncanson Program finding her, and the ways these all align.

On Impactful Artistry: In Conversation with Ya'Ke Smith

07 July 2026

How can someone be an impactful artist? Ya'Ke Smith, filmmaker and 2019 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence says "good artists are sensitive artists, sensitive to the world around you." In this conversation between Smith and Duncanson Program Manager, Kareem A. Simpson, they explore the ways in which Smith listens to and watches world and stories around him

Researchers Search for Robert S. Duncanson’s Life Story

30 June 2026

Much biographical information known about Robert S. Duncanson is unknown. Researchers utilize historic newspaper clippings to fill in the gaps of knowledge and build a timeline of his existence in the 19th century as a Black American artist. Studying online newspaper databases, we can track his work history, public reception of his race, and the contextualization of his art with concurrent events like the American Civil War.

A man sits in a denim jacket with a microphone in hand waiting to speak.

Social Discourse: Tunde Wey and Anissa Lewis

13 May 2026

Celebrating 40 years of the Duncanson Artist-in-Residence Program, this conversation features reflections from Tunde Wey on his residency—where food becomes a powerful lens for social discourse—and Annissa Lewis's collaboration on one of his public events. Together, they explore how art, community, and conversation intersect.

An Evening Etched with Impact: The 2026 Taft Fundraising Gala

04 May 2026

The Taft Museum of Art welcomed guests and supporters to the museum on May 1, 2026, to experience the "Black and White Bash: A Night at the Taft," a celebration and gala supporting the museum’s educational and outreach programs grossing over $319K. Learn more about the evening's impact and see highlights from the festivities here!

A Duet of Artistic Inspiration | In Conversation with Duncanson Artists-in-Residence Kathy Wade and Tracy Walker

27 April 2026

In January 2026, two Cincinnati-based musicians with a passion for art and shared history as Duncanson Artists-in-Residence came together in a spirited dialogue in celebration of the program’s 40th anniversary. Learn more from Kathy Wade (1988) and singer-songwriter Tracy Walker (2011) and experience how two artists, decades apart, found meaning in their experiences as Duncanson Artists-in-Residence in excerpts from their conversation.

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