A Life of Artistic Pursuit
Born in New York City, Agnes Tait was a versatile artist whose creative practice spanned painting, printmaking, lithography, book illustration, and mural work. Her formal training began at the National Academy of Design, where she studied antique drawing and life painting, earning several awards including the Suydam bronze medal for life drawing. During her early years, she balanced her dedication to art with a career as a dancer in a chorus line. Her talent led her to Paris, where she completed a lithography course at the École des Beaux-Arts, before returning to New York to establish her own studio.
Tait's career was marked by significant exhibitions and commissions. Her work was featured in the Art Institute of Chicago and the Dudensing Gallery, and she received critical attention for her portraits. During the Great Depression, she joined the Public Works of Art Project, contributing to the "American Scene" through her work for federal facilities. One of her most recognized pieces, Skating in Central Park, was created during this period.
Travel and Transformation
Agnes Tait's travels to Europe, Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad, and Dominica provided rich subject matter for her lithographs and paintings. Her work often captured the essence of these locations, such as her series documenting Trinidad and Dominica. In addition to her fine art, she illustrated three children's books: Peter & Penny of the Island, Heide, and Paco's Miracle.
In 1941, Tait relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she expanded her repertoire to include Southwestern landscapes. Her work from this era was exhibited in several southwestern cities and at the Library of Congress. Throughout her life, she remained a prolific creator, producing murals like Fruits of the Land and various lithographs, including El Cristo Rey and Survivors. She eventually spent her final years in Santa Fe after traveling through Italy, Ireland, and Florida.
