Betty Blayton Taylor

Betty Blayton Taylor (1937 - 2016) was an acclaimed American artist, arts educator, and community leader who dedicated her life to promoting the arts and supporting the creative development of young people. She began her artistic career in the 1960s, working in a variety of media, including painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Her artwork often explored themes of African  American  identity, spirituality, and the human experience. In addition to her work as a visual artist, Blayton Taylor was deeply committed to arts education and community outreach. In 1969, she co-founded the Children’s Art Carnival, a groundbreaking program that brought  art workshops and exhibitions to public schools. The program provided hands-on art experiences for thousands of children and helped to foster a love of the arts in the community. The Carnival had after-school and weekend programs that provided arts education and creative opportunities for youth ages 3 to 21 in the Harlem community. She also co-founded the  Studio Museum in Harlem in 1968, which became a leading institution for exhibitions and preservation of African American art. She served as the museum’s director of education and community programs for many years, overseeing the development of educational initiatives and outreach efforts. (HT)