Name/Title
Mural, Taylor School river sceneEntry/Object ID
2022.36.01Tags
Garden ArtDescription
Large mural painted on coarse brown paper with tempera paint by the young students of the Cora Bliss Taylor Art school.
Motive is the Kalamazoo River with the cottages, the Big Pavilion, Mt. Baldhead and steps, barns and boat on the water.
Painted in the 1950s by Christa Wise with about six to ten other students.Type of Painting
On paperArtwork Details
Medium
TemperaSubject Person or Organization
Big Pavilion 1909-1960, Mount Baldhead Dune/ParkSubject Place
* Untyped Subject Place
Kalamazoo RiverCollection
Artworks, Art schools and colonies other than Ox-BowDimensions
Dimension Description
approximateWidth
89 inDepth
44 inRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Taylor Art School 1931-, Taylor, Cora Bliss 1889-1986, Wise, Christa (Masters)Interpretative Labels
Label
From "Collecting the Lakeshore" 2025-2026 at the History Center main floor gallery
Cora Bliss Taylor
1889-1986
Student Mural from the Taylor Art School
Kalamazoo River Landscape
ca. 1955 | tempera on paper
After the Second World War, Cora Bliss Taylor shifted the focus of her Taylor Art School to educating youth during Saugatuck’s summer season. This “mural” is one of two that miraculously survived intact for more than fifty years. The object is a delightful record of Taylor’s skills as a beloved and effective art educator as well as the imagination and talent of young students.
How many landmarks can you observe in this topographic view of the Kalamazoo River?
The artwork survived in storage at the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library. Thanks to the support of SDHC members this mural and a companion piece depicting the “Taylor Art Circus” were framed and preserved for future display.
Donation from the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library
Accession number 2022.36.01Create Date
April 25, 2022Update Date
September 15, 2026
