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Mural, Taylor School river scene

Painting
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.
Mural, Taylor School river scene picture number 1
Mural, Taylor School river scene picture number 2 Interview with Christa Wise about the murals from the March 2019 SDHC newsletter

2022.36.01

Garden Art

On paper

Tempera

Big Pavilion 1909-1960Mount Baldhead Dune/Park

Kalamazoo River

ArtworksArt schools and colonies other than Ox-Bow

2022.36

approximate

89 in

44 in

Director Office

Taylor Art School 1931-Taylor, Cora Bliss 1889-1986Wise, Christa (Masters)

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 2022.36.01

04/25/2022

09/15/2026