Repository: UIHistories Project: Illio - 1896 [PAGE 62]

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feorabo #tft

O well known is the success and eminence of Lorado Taft, the distinguished artist of Chicago, that little mention need be made of it here. Mr. Taft is an alumnus of the University of Illinois, having graduated in the class of 79. He remained one year at the University engaged in post-graduate study and as assistant in the clay-modeling department. On commencement night, 1880, he started on his first European trip. After three years' study in Paris at TJfecole des Beaux-Arts, where he twice received honorable mention and once the first prize in the annual studio competitions, he returned home for a year. But the next year found him back at Paris, exhibiting in the Salon; which fact amply testifies to the high character of his productions. He returned to Chicago in January, 1886. Mr. Taft has taken great pleasure in bringing up young sculptors, some of whom have already attained considerable distinction. He has in the past few years come before the public quite prominently as a lecturer. At the Columbian Exposition his work attracted world-wide attention. He has made some statues and a great number of busts. Mr. Taft was on the art jury of admission at the California Midwinter Exposition, '9£-'94, and the art jury of awards at the " Cotton States" Exposition in the fall of '95. He is a prominent member of the National Sculpture Society.