The Legacy of Helene Wurlitzer: Works From the Harwood Collection

Opening: Saturday, November 3rd, Reception: 3-5 pm

Established in 1954, The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation of New Mexico is the oldest artist residency program west of the Mississippi. For over sixty years, the program has brought hundreds of visual artists, writers and composers to Taos. Many have left an imprint on Taos. The Harwood honors The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation of New Mexico with a Fall 2018 exhibition in the Mandelman-Ribak Gallery. The exhibition shares the stories of many of the resident artists who have left their mark on Taos, with a focus on the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation alumni with works in the Harwood’s permanent collection.

Through grants to painters, poets, sculptors, writers, playwrights, screenwriters, composers, photographers and filmmakers, of national and international origin, many resident artists fell in love with Taos and remained in the area after their residency had ended. Since the 1950’s with the first grantee, Agnes Martin, the number of artists who have been introduced to Taos by The Wurlitzer has grown, with contributions by Takayama, Stroh, and Dasburg to name just a few.