40 Years of Impact | Celebrating 40 Years of the Duncanson Program

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. Jazz vocalist and CEO and Founder of Learning Through Art, Kathy Wade (1988) and singer-songwriter Tracy Walker (2011) explored their personal journeys through art, their introductions to and passion for music, their influences, and the ways the Duncanson Artist Residency shaped not only their artistic journeys but the community around them. 


Learn more directly from these artists and experience how two artists, decades apart, found meaning in their experiences as Duncanson Artists-in-Residence in the following excerpts from their conversation:


Modeling Museum Practice | A Commitment to Black Artistry and Robert S. Duncanson's Legacy

01 October 2026

Some anniversaries simply invite us to celebrate. Others encourage us to ask why a legacy has endured. As the Taft Museum of Art commemorates the 175th anniversary of Robert S. Duncanson's landmark murals alongside the 40th anniversary of the Duncanson Program, we have a rare opportunity to reflect on how one artist's legacy has evolved from a remarkable chapter in history into a model for museums committed to creativity, community, and cultural equity.

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!


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