Heloise Crista joined the Taliesin Fellowship in 1949, not to become an architect, but rather to be in “the atmosphere of such ideas and such people as Mr. and Mrs. Wright and the community of apprentices.” While at Taliesin, Heloise studied dance under the Wrights’ daughter, Iovanna, and was a respected and extremely talented performer and costume designer.
Over time, Heloise became known for her sculpture work, an interest first sparked at Taliesin. Her first major work was a bronze bust of Wright, in 1956, which remains on display in the Garden Room at Taliesin West today.
She continued to make busts of other Fellowship members and her son, and in 1978 she decided to make sculpture her career. In the ’70s and ’80s she even taught a sculpture class at Taliesin.
Her sculptures have been incorporated throughout the campus at Taliesin West—where they continue to inspire visitors—and structures designed by the Taliesin Associated Architects, the architecture firm created by apprentices of Wright, following his passing.
Heloise passed away on March 11, 2018, at her home at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Take home a Heloise Crista sculpture, available in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles exclusively in the Frank Lloyd Wright Store.
These sculptures are not currently available online. Visit the Store to purchase or call 480.627.5398 to place your order.
Awakening by Heloise Crista
