Art of Tao LaBossiere Joins the Hartford Chamber
Describe your business in one to two sentences.
Art of Tao LaBossiere, led by Tao with the strategic partnership of Amy LaBossiere, stands out in Hartford for its engaging murals, sculptures, and custom art installations that transform both public and private spaces. This dynamic duo combines Tao's artistic ingenuity with Amy's insightful guidance, creating culturally rich artworks that resonate deeply within communities and enhance their surroundings.
Why did you join the Hartford Chamber of Commerce – what’s the value?
Connecting business to business and rooting into our community
Why Hartford? How did you decide on the location for your business?
Hartford has been a significant part of our personal and professional journeys, making it a natural choice for our business location. Tao's move to ArtSpace in 1997 marked the beginning of his deep engagement with the city's vibrant arts scene, while Amy's arrival in 1992 laid the foundation for her connection with the Hartford community. This long-standing relationship with Hartford, coupled with our passion for art and community involvement, made it the perfect place to establish and grow Art of Tao LaBossiere. Here, we found not just a location, but a community that resonates with our artistic vision and values.
Tell us about the neighborhood and what makes it unique.
Situated at the crossroads of downtown and Asylum Hill, the neighborhood around Hartford ArtSpace, where we live and work, is as dynamic as it is inspiring. This area thrives on its large creative community, a melting pot of artistic talents and visions. As volunteers running the Hartford ArtSpace Gallery, we've had the unique privilege over the past 25 years to boost emerging and new artists, helping them gain confidence and exposure through group shows and open calls. This role has allowed us to contribute significantly to the artistic vibrancy of the neighborhood. The proximity to Bushnell Park and the stunning views of downtown Hartford continually fuel our creativity, both in our personal artistic endeavors and in our professional projects. The neighborhood isn't just a backdrop for our work; it's a living, breathing source of inspiration and a place where art and community intersect, creating a rich tapestry of cultural and creative expression
What is the best thing about living/working in Hartford?
The most rewarding aspect of living and working in Hartford is undoubtedly the community's enthusiastic embrace of our creative endeavors, particularly our standout murals like Bear's Smokehouse, the Turtle Mural, and Bee the Change. The city's art scene has seen a remarkable evolution, with increasing support from institutions that were once less focused on public art. Our collaborations extend to various partners including several Hartford-based commercial clients, Greater Hartford Arts Council, 224 EcoSpace, Free Center, The Foundation for Public Giving, and CT Office of the Arts. These groups have been pivotal in driving the city's artistic renaissance. Additionally, our volunteer roles as co-directors of Hartford ArtSpace Gallery allow us to nurture new talents and reinforce our commitment to the city's cultural vibrancy. This symbiotic relationship with the Hartford community, where our creative contributions are welcomed and in turn help to invigorate the city’s cultural landscape, truly encapsulates the essence of working and living in this dynamic city.