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Taft Museum of Art Press Releases & Media Kits
Welcome to the Taft Museum of Art's online Press & Media Room where you can access the latest information and assets on our upcoming events, announcements, and exhibitions.
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Taft Museum of Art Receives Reaccreditation with Perfect Score
CINCINNATI, OH (April 2025)—The American Alliance of Museums’ Accreditation Commission has awarded the Taft Museum of Art reaccreditation. As the museum field’s mark of distinction since 1971, accreditation is a high-profile, peer-based validation of museum’s operations and impact nationwide. Through a rigorous process of self- assessment and review by its peers, the Taft Museum of Art has demonstrated itself to be a good steward of its resources held in the public trust, committed to a philosophy of continual institutional growth, and meeting and exceeding in best practices.
Nikki Giovanni Tribute Event Honors Late Poet’s Legacy
CINCINNATI, OH (March 2025)—The City of Cincinnati, Jazz Alive, Learning Through Art, and the Taft Museum of Art’s Duncanson Program are proud to present a special tribute honoring the life and legacy of renowned poet, activist, and literary icon Nikki Giovanni. Hosted by Sly Little, the event will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 1-3:30 p.m. at Corinthian Baptist Church.
Joseph Mallord William Turner (English, 1775–1851), "Château de Rinkenberg, on the Lac de Brienz, Switzerland," 1809, watercolor on paper. Taft Museum of Art, Bequest of Charles Phelps Taft and Anna Sinton Taft, 1931.388
Taft Museum of Art Presents J. M. W. Turner: Watercolor Horizons, March 1–June 15, 2025, in Celebration of the Artist’s 250th Birthday
CINCINNATI, OH (February 2025)—Celebrate the 250th anniversary of James Mallord William Turner’s birth by seeing twelve of his watercolors from the Taft Museum of Art and the Cincinnati Art Museum. On view at the Taft Museum of Art March 1–June 15, 2025, J. M. W. Turner: Watercolor Horizons is the first exhibition to bring together the entirety of the two museums’ luminous works by Turner in this medium.
Rich Robbins, 2025 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence
Chicago-Based Rapper, Rich Robbins, Selected as the Taft Museum of Art’s 2025 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence
CINCINNATI, OH (February 2025)—The Taft Museum of Art is pleased to announce the 2025 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, Rich Robbins, a Chicago-based rapper, songwriter, producer, educator, and television host known for critiquing societal issues while envisioning new possibilities for the future. Robbins will join the museum as the 39th artist-in-residence as part of the award-winning Duncanson Program focused on elevating the profile of Black and Brown contemporary artists. Robbins will lead public programs, teach workshops, and visit schools across Greater Cincinnati from April 10–26, 2025.
The Taft Museum of Art Puts the World of Secret Societies on Full Display February 1–May 11, 2025
CINCINNATI, OH (January 2025)—Mystical, evocative, and sometimes simply strange, the art of the Freemasons and Independent Order of the Odd Fellows is rich in symbols. Mystery & Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art brings the histories, codes, and beliefs of these groups to the Taft Museum of Art, February 1–May 11, 2025. Rarely traveled, the exhibition features more than 80 works of art including elaborately stitched costumes, gilded carvings and jewelry, and richly embellished ceremonial objects from the late 18th through mid-20th centuries that continue to retain their clandestine allure.
2024 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, Tunde Wey. Photo credit: Kevin Watkins
Taft Museum of Art Applications Open for the 2025 and 2026 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, Disciplines: Hip Hop Artist (2025) and Visual Artist: Painter (2026)
CINCINNATI, OH (September 2024)—The Taft Museum of Art is seeking a hip hop artist (2025) and a visual artist specialized in painting (2026) with teaching experience and a commitment to social justice for the upcoming two years of the Duncanson Artist-in-Residence program. To honor the relationship between Black American painter Robert S. Duncanson (1821–1872) and Cincinnati art patron Nicholas Longworth (1782–1863), the Taft’s Robert S. Duncanson Society annually recognizes and celebrates the achievements of contemporary Black artists through the Duncanson Artist-in-Residence program.
Terri Kern (American, born 1964), Familiar Waters, 2024, earthenware, 6 1/4 x 3 1/2 in. diam. Collection of the artist. Photo by Michael Svach
Taft Museum of Art Presents Resilience: New Ceramic Works by Terri Kern
CINCINNATI, OH (September 2024)—What does nature teach us about the ability to embrace life’s challenges? Local ceramic artist Terri Kern explores the theme of resilience in her latest creations in an intimate exhibition located in the Sinton Gallery at the Taft Museum of Art in downtown Cincinnati. Inspired by the natural world, her symbolic works of art tell stories of love, loss, triumph, and hardship.
Omar Victor Diop (born 1980), Frederick Douglass, detail, 2015, inkjet pigment print on Hahnemuhle paper, edition of 8 + 2 AP. ©Omar Victor Diop, Courtesy of Galerie MAGNIN-A, Paris
Taft Museum of Art Presents Photography Exhibition Celebrating African American Beauty and Visual Culture
CINCINNATI, OH (September 2024)—Posing Beauty in African American Culture traces the relationship between African American beauty and visual culture from the 1890s to the present through documentary, commercial, and fine art photography. Documentary photographs and portraits of portraits of Black Americans—some famous, some just ordinary citizens—present the public face of African American beauty, while commercial photographs demonstrate how fashion and advertising have constructed beauty standards. Finally, contemporary photographers—some of whom use themselves as a subject—encourage consideration of how images of beauty impact mass culture and individuals.
Taft Museum of Art President and CEO, Becky Beaulieu, Announced as Participant in Leadership Cincinnati Class 48
CINCINNATI, OH (August 2024)—The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber announced the list of 56 local leaders participating in its new class of Leadership Cincinnati, and this year the list includes the Taft Museum of Art's President and CEO, Becky Beaulieu!
Taft Museum of Art Becomes First Museum in Cincinnati to Gain Prestigious KultureCity® Sensory Inclusive™ Accreditation
CINCINNATI, OH (July 2024)—KultureCity®, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs, proudly announces the achievement of Taft Museum of Art for its commitment to creating sensory-inclusive spaces. KultureCity’s flagship initiative, the Sensory Inclusive™ program, provides training and resources to staff, enabling them to better accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Kentucky Derby-themed Taft Museum of Art Gala Sets All-Time Revenue Record
CINCINNATI, OH (April 2024)—The Taft Museum of Art welcomes audiences on May 3, 2024 to experience A Race to the Taft, a celebration and gala supporting the museum’s educational and outreach programs. The Kentucky Derby-themed event is set to gross over $300,000 well before the celebrations begin, breaking an all-time record for the museum.
Barbara Morgan (American, 1900–1992), Martha Graham in Letter to the World, 1940, gelatin silver print. Bank of America Collection. Barbara and Willard Morgan photographs and papers, UCLA Library Special Collections. Choreography by Martha Graham, Courtesy of Martha Graham Resources
More than 100 Works from America’s First Corporate Photography Collection Showcase the Medium’s Technical Capabilities and Impact on Fine Art
CINCINNATI, OH (April 2024)—The Taft Museum of Art welcomes a captivating exhibition that explores the breadth and depth of the camera’s ability to capture a moment in time. On view June 8 to September 15, 2024, Moment in Time: A Legacy of Photographs / Works from the Bank of America Collection features more than 100 photographic images amassed by pioneering curator and historian Nancy Newhall. Newhall assembled the first corporate collection of photography in the United States in the 1960s, for the Exchange National Bank of Chicago, which later became part of the Bank of America’s collection. This special exhibition is on loan through the Bank of America Art in our Communities® program.
Taft Museum of Art Presents 32nd Annual Artists Reaching Classrooms Cohort with Juried Student Exhibition
CINCINNATI, OH (February 2024)—The Taft Museum of Art’s award-winning school outreach program, Artists Reaching Classrooms, returns to The Annex Gallery for the program’s 32nd year. For decades, the Taft Museum of Art has celebrated students and their artwork with the annual program and exhibition. Through this program, the Taft provides educational outreach and supports career opportunities in the creative sector for high school students across Greater Cincinnati. Student participants will be displaying their artwork at The Annex Gallery for an exhibition titled Wonder, where the community can share in celebrating their achievements. Students' awards will be announced at the opening reception on Sunday, February 18 from 1–4 p.m.
Tunde Wey, 2024 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence. Photo Provided by Jonathan Peterson.
Tunde Wey Selected as the Taft Museum of Art’s 2024 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, the Program’s First Chef
CINCINNATI, OH (January 2024)— The Taft Museum of Art is pleased to announce the 2024 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, Tunde Wey, a Nigerian immigrant artist, writer, and chef working at the intersection of food and the political economy. Wey will join the museum as the 37th resident of the award-winning program focused on elevating the profile of Black and Brown contemporary artists. Wey will lead public programs, teach workshops, and visit schools across Greater Cincinnati April 13–27, 2024.
Willem Maris (Dutch, 1844–1910) Ducks, about 1875–80 Oil on panel 8 5/8 x 16 5/8 in. 17 in. x 25 in. x 2 3/4 in. framed Bequest of Charles Phelps Taft and Anna Sinton Taft, 1931.408
A Breath of Fresh Air: Nature Inspires Rarely Seen Works from the Taft Collection
CINCINNATI, OH (January 2024)—The Taft Museum of Art owns hundreds of exquisite artworks, many of which were acquired by Cincinnati art patrons and museum founders, Charles and Anna Taft. A Breath of Fresh Air: Nature Inspires Rarely Seen Works from the Taft Collection presents six paintings and five works of decorative art from the museum’s collection for a special exhibition on view February 17–May 19, 2024. Due to limited space in the museum’s galleries these works are rarely on view. This exhibition offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience these beautiful works alongside the many other nature-inspired objects on display in the museum galleries.
Ibrahim El-Salahi (born 1930, Sudan) Vision of the Tomb, 1965 Oil on canvas 36 x 36 in. Collection of The Africa Center, New York, 2008.2.1 Photograph by Jerry L. Thompson © Ibrahim El-Salahi All rights reserved, ARS, NY 2022 Courtesy Vigo Gallery and American Federation of Arts
Final Destination: Taft Museum of Art Presents African Modernism in America, February 10–May 19, 2024
CINCINNATI, OH (January 2024)—The Taft Museum of Art is the final stop on the nationwide tour of African Modernism in America (February 10–May 19, 2024), co-organized by the American Federation of Arts (AFA) and the Fisk University Galleries. It is the first major traveling exhibition to examine the complex relationships between modern African artists and American patrons, artists, and cultural organizations amid the tumultuous interlocking histories of the civil rights movement in the United States, the decolonization of Africa, and the global Cold War. The exhibition includes nearly 80 dynamic and vivid works of art created in Africa during the 1950s and ‘60s.
$600k Art Bridges “Access for All” Award Enables Another Day of Free Admission at the Taft Museum of Art
CINCINNATI, OH (October 2023)—Art Bridges Foundation invited the Taft Museum of Art among a select cohort of museums across the nation to participate in the Access for All pilot program—a transformative, three-year funding initiative aimed at increasing access to museums across America and fostering engagement with local audiences. The new $30 million initiative will provide support by covering the costs of admission, programming, marketing, outreach, and additional efforts that reduce barriers to access.
Carol and Bill Eckerle Make Multi-Million Dollar Legacy Gift to Cincinnati Museums
CINCINNATI, OH (October 2023)—In a generous demonstration of their belief in access to culture and education for every member of our community, Carol and William “Bill” Eckerle have left an $18 million gift to three leading Cincinnati institutions. Bequests of roughly $6 million each will support the endowments of the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Museum Center and the Taft Museum of Art.
Taft Museum of Art Applications Open for the 2024 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, Discipline: Culinary
CINCINNATI, OH (September 2023)—The Taft Museum of Art is seeking a culinary artist with teaching experience and a commitment to social justice for the 2024 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence. The resident artist will actively engage the Cincinnati community April 7– 24, 2024. To honor the relationship between Black American painter Robert S. Duncanson (1821–1872) and Cincinnati art patron Nicholas Longworth (1782–1863), the Taft Museum of Art and the Robert S. Duncanson Society annually recognize and celebrate the achievements of contemporary Black artists through the Duncanson Artist-in-Residence program.
Jan Steen (Dutch, 1625/6–1679) Adolf and Catharina Croeser (also known as The Burgomaster of Delft and His Daughter), detail, 1655, oil on canvas. Loan from the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Purchased with the support of the Mondriaan Fonds, the Nationaal Aankoopfond
Rijksmuseum Lends Rare Dutch Painting to the Taft Museum of Art While Esteemed
Frans Hals Work Tours Europe for First Major Retrospective in 30 Years
CINCINNATI, OH (September 2023)—The Taft Museum of Art’s portrait of Michiel de Wael travels to the National Gallery, London and Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam for the first major comprehensive exhibition devoted to Frans Hals in 30 years, Frans Hals. While on loan, the Taft welcomes a rare work by another Dutch master from the Rijksmuseum, Jan Steen’s Adolf and Catharina Croeser, October 14, 2023–June 16, 2024.
Sporting Fashion: Outdoor Girls 1800 to 1960 Presents 160 Years of Women’s Sporting Attire at the Taft Museum of Art, October 14, 2023–January 14, 2024
CINCINNATI, OH (August 2023)—The Taft Museum of Art is pleased to announce the opening of Sporting Fashion: Outdoor Girls 1800 to 1960 (on view October 14, 2023– January 14, 2024), a traveling exhibition organized by the American Federation of Arts and the FIDM Museum at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles. Sporting Fashion is the first show to explore the evolution of women’s sporting attire in Western fashion over this 160-year period. The exhibition includes over 60 fully accessorized ensembles comprised of more than 400 objects selected from the exceptional collections of the FIDM Museum.
Taft Museum of Art Announces Appointment of New Director of Curatorial Affairs: Ellen E. Roberts
CINCINNATI, OH (June 2023)—After a nationwide search, Ellen E. Roberts has been named the Sallie Robinson Wadsworth Director of Curatorial Affairs effective June 26, 2023 for the Taft Museum of Art, located in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Roberts will lead the Taft’s exhibition program, serve as the senior curator in charge of its curatorial and collections strategies, and oversee the stewardship and interpretation of the permanent collection and historic house.
Rarely Displayed Etchings Document the Personal Side of Daubigny’s Innovative, Water-Level Perspectives
CINCINNATI, OH (May 2023)—The Taft Museum of Art presents The Boat Trip: Etchings by Charles François Daubigny June 17–September 10, 2023. Rarely displayed publicly, this special exhibition documents Daubigny’s first studioboat voyages on the river Seine north of Paris. The etchings show the playful, whimsical side of the French artist known for paintings with innovative,water-level perspectives captured from his studio boat.
Sold Out, Enchanted Garden Gala Set to Exceed $270k to Support Museum Educational Programs
CINCINNATI, OH (May 2023)—The Taft Museum of Art welcomes audiences to experience The Enchanted Garden, a celebration honoring the museum’s newly restored Rowe Long Family Garden on May 12, 2023. The sold-out event is set to gross over $270,000 to support Taft’s educational and outreach programs well before the celebrations begin.
Modern Women/Modern Vision: Photography from the Bank of America Collection Coming to the Taft Museum of Art
CINCINNATI, OH (April 2023)—The Taft Museum of Art welcomes a bold exhibition that explores the diverse perspectives of women since photography’s inception, from early pioneers to photographers still working today. On view June 3 to September 10, 2023, Modern Women/Modern Vision: Photography from the Bank of America Collection features approximately one hundred radically inventive photographic images at each phase of modern history, on loan through the Bank of America Art in our Communities® program.
2023 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, Anita Graef. Photo credit: Todd Rosenberg.
Taft Museum of Art and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Partner on 2023 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, Featuring Cellist Anita Graef
CINCINNATI, OH (April 2023)—In partnership with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s distinguished Diversity Fellowship program, the Taft Museum of Art welcomes cellist Anita Graef, as the 36th Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, April 16–30, 2023. The harmonious partnership is a collaboration between two award-winning programs focused on elevating the profile of Black and Brown contemporary artists.
Taft Museum of Art Presents 31st Annual Artists Reaching Classrooms Cohort with Juried Student Exhibition
CINCINNATI, OH (February 2023)—For over 30 years, the Taft Museum of Art has celebrated students and their artwork with the annual program and exhibition, Artists Reaching Classrooms. Through this award-winning program, the Taft provides educational outreach and supports career opportunities in the creative sector for high school students across Greater Cincinnati. This year’s student participants will be returning to display their artwork at The Annex Gallery for an exhibition titled Expression, where the community can share in celebrating their achievements. Students' awards will be announced at the opening on Thursday, March 23 from 5–7 p.m.
Terence Hammonds (American, born 1976), Hope, 2022, HD print on aluminum, 24 x 18 in. Photo by the artist
Taft Museum of Art Features New Works by Terence Hammonds in Universal Magnetic
CINCINNATI, OH (February 2023)—The Taft Museum of Art presents Universal Magnetic, a solo show featuring new work by Cincinnati-based artist Terence Hammonds February 16–June 4, 2023. This special exhibition showcases collages and ceramic works that recontextualize historical images and motifs to memorialize Black figures in United States history.
Sedrick Huckaby, She Wore Her Family’s Quilt, 2015, oil on canvas. Photo by Gregory Staley, © Sedrick Huckaby
Taft Museum of Art Presents Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art
CINCINNATI, OH (December 2022)— Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty
Davis Collection of African American Art features over 60 works from the personal collection
of Kerry Davis—a retired postal worker—and C. Betty Davis—a former television news
producer—at the Taft Museum of Art February 4–May 14, 2023.
Imitator of Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606–1669), Man Leaning on a Windowsill, probably early 1700s, oil on canvas. Taft Museum of Art, Bequest of Louise Taft Semple, 1962.1
Taft Museum of Art Presents Fakes, Forgeries, and Followers from the Taft Collection
CINCINNATI, OH (September 2022)—Although scarce in museum collections, fakes
and forgeries provide some of the most compelling stories in the art world. Of the hundreds
of works in the Taft Museum of Art collection, the number of attribution mysteries is few, but
immensely captivating. On view October 22, 2022–February 5, 2023, Fakes, Forgeries, and
Followers in the Taft Collection displays a selection of these museum works, many of which
have not been seen by the public in more than 30 years.
John R. Schmidt (American, b. 1878), Twenty-Third Wedding Anniversary, 1923, gelatin silver print, 6 3/8 x 8 1/4 in. Collection of Randle and Cristina Egbert
Taft Museum of Art Presents First Major Exhibition of Female Pictorialist, Nancy Ford Cones
CINCINNATI, OH (August 2022)— Nancy Ford Cones created photographs that earned her an international reputation and recognition in prestigious journals such as Camera Craft, as well as popular outlets including National Geographic magazine and Kodak advertisements. Despite the praise her works received during her lifetime, Cones’s imaginative and exquisitely crafted photographs were largely forgotten after her death. The Taft Museum of Art’s special exhibition, Craft and Camera: The Art of Nancy Ford Cones (October 1, 2022–January 15, 2023) will be the first major presentation of her work.
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Awards Taft Museum of Art Museums for America Grant
CINCINNATI, OH (August 2022)—The Institute of Museum and Library Services has announced grant awards totaling $29,681,960 for museums across the nation to improve services to their communities. The Taft Museum of Art is one of nine Ohio museums to be selected through the agency’s largest competitive grant program, Museums for America, and its special initiatives.
Rebekah Beaulieu Appointed to Taft Museum of Art President/CEO
CINCINNATI, OH (August 2022)—The Taft Museum of Art’s board of directors is pleased to announce the selection of Rebekah (Becky) Beaulieu as the museum’s next Louise Taft Semple President and CEO.
Sold Out Taft Gala Raises Over $300k, Sets 10-Year Record
CINCINNATI, OH—June 21, 2022—The Taft Museum of Art welcomed audiences to experience
Light Up the Night, a celebration honoring the museum’s newly completed Bicentennial
Infrastructure Project on June 18, 2022, and the museum’s 90th anniversary. The event
grossed over $300,000 to support Taft’s educational and outreach programs.
Taft Museum of Art’s $12.7 Million Infrastructure Project Nears Completion, Appoints COO and Interim Director
CINCINNATI, OH (May 2022)—The Taft Museum of Art’s Love This House capital campaign nears its $12.7 million goal, ensuring the completion of the Bicentennial Infrastructure Project this June. This coincides with the retirement of the museum’s long-time Louise Semple Taft President/CEO, Deborah Emont Scott. As the museum continues a nation-wide search for Scott’s successor, Lindsey NeCamp has been selected by the board of directors to lead the museum as chief operating officer and interim director as Scott plans her departure at the end of June.
Taft Museum of Art Awarded “Best Education and Outreach” by Ohio Museum Association
Outreach program in 30th year, Artists Reaching Classrooms, among prestigious cohort of 2021 Award of Achievement winners
CINCINNATI, OH (April 2022)—2022—The Ohio Museum Association (OMA) has presented the Taft Museum of Art with one of six 2021 OMA Awards of Achievement. The Taft Museum of Art received the award as the category winner of “Best Education and Outreach” with the nomination of the museum’s annual high school outreach program, Artists Reaching Classrooms, now in its 30th year. Each award is earned by demonstrating “the tireless work museum professionals undertake to advance Ohio’s museum community both locally, and on a national level,” as stated in the OMA’s release.
Taft Museum of Art Commemorates 30th Anniversary of Artists Reaching Classrooms with Juried Student Exhibition
“Revival” on view at The Annex Gallery March 23–April 30, 2022
CINCINNATI, OH (March 2022)—For 30 years, the Taft Museum of Art has celebrated students and their artwork with the annual program and exhibition, Artists Reaching Classrooms. Amid the ongoing pandemic and strapped educational resources for classrooms, the Taft has continued to ensure outreach and support future career opportunities for high students across Greater Cincinnati. This year’s student participants will be exhibiting their artwork at The Annex Gallery for an exhibition titled Revival, where the community can share in celebrating their achievements. Students' awards will be announced at the exhibition opening on Wednesday, March 23 from 6–8 p.m.
Wedding Dress, (detail), from Sense and Sensibility, 1995, Ang Lee, director. Worn by Kate Winslet as Marianne Dashwood. Jenny Beavan and John Bright, costume designers
Jane Austen: Fashion & Sensibility Exhibition to Make North American Debut at Taft Museum of Art, Tickets on Sale Now
Celebrity costumes from eight Austen films and series, on view June 11–September 4, 2022
CINCINNATI, OH (February 2022)—The Taft Museum of Art welcomes Jane Austen: Fashion & Sensibility, a special exhibition displaying costumes from eight acclaimed film adaptations of Jane Austen’s classic novels. The collection is traveling from London, England for its North American debut at the Taft, on view June 11–September 4, 2022.