Can you believe that this building, Midway Studios, was once a barn? It stands here, nestled between the busy streets of Chicago, with a story that stretches back to the early 1900s. The renowned sculptor Lorado Taft, a true pioneer of American sculpture, chose this very spot for his studio in 1906. He was not only a gifted artist but also a passionate educator, and this barn quickly became a haven for aspiring sculptors.
Taft moved the original barn to its current location on Ingleside Avenue in 1929, adding more studio space and creating a beautiful, gabled courtyard in the heart of the complex. Imagine, artists gathered here, sharing ideas, inspiring each other, their tools clanging, the scent of clay filling the air. These artists formed a close-knit community, a ‘Renaissance bottega’ as Taft called it. It wasn’t just about creating art, it was about nurturing creativity and fostering a love for art, a philosophy that resonated with Taft. Even though he didn’t formally teach there, he always supported his fellow artists, even helping some of them pay for their art courses.
Taft’s Midway Studios were more than just a workspace. They were a vital part of the University of Chicago’s art program, a place where students could learn and create, and where the legacy of American sculpture was fostered. They were officially designated a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1965, a testament to their profound influence on art history. This extraordinary space continues to inspire, now housing a plethora of art studios and workshops, ensuring that Taft’s legacy of creativity echoes through time.