Program areas at The Couse Foundation
The mission of The Couse Foundation is to preserve and interpret the Couse-Sharp Historic Site, its buildings, grounds, and collections, and the archives of the Taos Society of Artists, through education, collaboration, and scholarly engagement.The vision of The Couse Foundation is to be the center for scholarship of E.I. Couse, J.H. Sharp and the Taos Society of Artists.Accomplishments include ongoing exhibitions of artwork, educational programs and research concerning the Couse-Sharp Historic Site, the studios of E.I. Couse, J. H. Sharp and the Lunder Research Center focused on the 12 members of the Taos Society of Artists. In addition, the organization provided virtual and in-person public events focused on the Foundation's mission, as well as distribute semi-annual newsletters (3,500+ circulation each) relating to its yearly activities. SOME SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2021 AND 2022 INCLUDE: DURING 2021, THE FOUNDATION COMPLETED CONSTRUCTION OF THE LUNDER RESEARCH CENTER, CELEBRATED OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY AS AN ORGANIZATION, HOSTED A SUMMER EXHIBITION, GLIMPSES OF THE PAST: HISTORIC NEW MEXICO PRINTS, 1880-1950, PRESENTED OUR INAUGURAL EXHIBITION IN THE DEAN PORTER GALLERY, RESURGENCE: MARK MAGGIORI PORTRAITS FROM E.I. COUSES PUEBLO PHOTOS. WE WERE ABLE TO RESUME LIMITED SITE TOURS AND MONTHLY OPEN HOUSES IN THE FACE OF PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS. WE CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE SUPPORT OF A STRONG DONOR BASE, HISTORIC SITE GRANTS AND LEGACY GIVING OPPORTUNITIES ALLOWING US TO EXPAND AND SUSTAIN OUR PROGRAMS, MISSION AND VISION. DURING 2022 THE FOUNDATION HIRED TWO CONTRACT ARCHIVISTS AS PART OF A GRANT TO BEGIN TO DIGITIZE THE ARCHIVES AND SCAN HISTORIC PHOTOS AT THE LUNDER RESEARCH CENTER, LAUNCHED A FELLOWSHIP WITH COLBY COLLEGE FOR A ONE YEAR PROGRAM WITH A GRADUATE STUDENT TO EXPERIENCE WORKING IN A MUSEUM/HISTORIC SITE, HOSTED OUR MOST SUCCESSFUL GALA CELEBRATION WEEKEND INCLUDING THE 90TH BIRTHDAY OUR FOUNDER, VIRGINIA COUSE LEAVITT AND FEATURED TWO EXHIBITIONS IN THE DEAN PORTER GALLERY, FIRST A SHOW OF CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS DEEPLY INFLUENCED BY THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY ARTISTS IN TAOS TO BE AUCTIONED AT THE GALA AND THEN A SHOW THE INFINITE LANDSCAPE BY ARTIST JIVAN LEE. WE WERE ABLE TO RESUME OUR PRE-PANDEMIC SCHEDULE OF TOURS, OPEN HOUSES, SITE VISITS AND EXHIBITIONS DURING THE YEAR.