March 30, 2005

REMEMBERING CORA BLISS TAYLOR

Cora Bliss Taylor, one of Saugatuck’s most loved (and legendary) artists and art teachers, died in 1986 at the age of 97. She was famous for her paintings of local scenes and flowers—and for her rather exaggerated hats. She studied in Paris, Provincetown, New York, and at the Art Institute of Chicago. She came to Saugatuck in 1931; had two studios in Saugatuck at various times—the first at a perfect little studio at 749 Holland Street (now somewhat altered and with a new owner) and later at the rear of the house at the northwest corner of Mason and St. Joseph Streets. While on Holland Street, she lived next door (to the north) with her husband, ‘the Judge,’ and at Mason Street, she lived in the cottage-like house to the front. The Holland Street studio, as you can see above, was also her “Saugatuck Art Gallery.”

The Taylor Art School closed in 1980 after nearly a half century. One of the best of her paintings of local subjects was All Saints Church, now in the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society collection. We are collecting recollections of those who studied and/or knew Cora Bliss Taylor. Pleas contact us if you have something to share. By Jim Schmiechen

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