The Couse Foundation (TCF) preserves the homes and studios of E.I. Couse and J.H. Sharp, two founders of the Taos Society of Artists (TSA) in 1915. The Couse-Sharp Historic Site also includes the workshops of Couse’s son, Kibbey, a significant inventor. The TSA introduced a nation to the landscape and culture of New Mexico, a fascination that continues. It helped establish Taos as an artist colony that later attracted some of America’s premier modernists. During its heyday the TSA was one of the best known artists’ groups in the U.S. Their shared vision of creating a uniquely American painting style influenced the world of art and perceptions of Native America and the West. The Couse family preserved the property, art, furnishings, and archives for decades. TCF continues the drive to save the site and collections and share them with the public through tours, exhibitions, and other programming. It has expanded this mission to obtain archival materials related to the entire TSA, providing a center for research and inspiration.
The Mission of The Couse Foundation is to preserve and interpret the Couse-Sharp Historic Site, its buildings, grounds, 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 and J.H. Sharp and the Taos Society of Artists.
146 Kit Carson Road