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:
In 2025, the Taft Museum of Art accepted two copper etching plates and four etchings depicting the Taft home by Edward Timothy (E. T.) Hurley from friends of the museum David and Debra Hausrath. Learn about E.T. Hurley's history, and his love for the home from Research Fellow, Kobi Morgan.
Anyone who has had the opportunity to encounter one of the many Duncanson Artists-in-Residence over the years has been fortunate to witness firsthand the creativity, courage, and cultural depth that define each year’s artist-in-residence. In 2021, that artist was Asha Ama Bias-Daniels—learn more about her work, her residency at the Taft, and her impact in the community and beyond as we celebrate 40 years of the Duncanson Program.
In October 2025, during Cincinnati’s historic America’s River Roots Festival, spoken-word performances by Annie Ruth and Ajanaé Dawkins kicked off the 40th anniversary year of the Taft Museum of Art's Duncanson Program, which has now been expanded to year-round events and activities. Learn more about these artists and watch excerpts from their performances!