In Memoriam…

Susan W. Tait was one of Parents for Arts Education founding board members. As a lifelong artist, Susan found what kept her grounded throughout her 30 years as an Air Force officer’s wife. Whenever they were stationed across the country, she always found a way to get involved in the art scene, show her oil and watercolor paintings and set up her art classes with her Sissortail Studios – all while being a super supportive band parent! She even drove her daughter’s car behind the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps buses during their 1990 cross country tour! After retiring from the Air Force in 1992, they moved to Durango, Colorado where she served on the board of the Durango Arts Center, continued to show her watercolors in galleries and art shows and created custom gift bringer and mountain men dolls. As a consummate teacher, she created a series of historically accurate mountain men and Santa’s throughout history. Then presented amazing historical programs to schools and community groups in Colorado and Texas, including activities for kids to make their own.

She instilled in her two daughters the importance of education and giving back to the community. In 2021, after many discussions with her oldest daughter, Trina Martin, about the barriers to strong fine arts education and the overall concerns about how to come back after the pandemic, she encouraged her to not go back into the music products industry but start Parents for Arts Education.

Unfortunately we lost her in October of 2023 but she was excited about the progress and future of Parents for Arts Education. We will miss her terribly but are proud to continue her legacy of passing on a love of creating and supporting all art in our schools and communities!