Amy LaBossiere

For 27 years, Tao lived and worked at Hartford ArtSpace in Hartford, CT, passionately celebrating community through his creative endeavors. He volunteered as director of the Hartford ArtSpace Gallery (later co-director with Amy), mentoring emerging artists and helping build Hartford’s reputation as a city of artists. Tao drew much of his inspiration from nature. His public art in Hartford includes The Oneness of Being in Still Waters (the turtle mural, 2022), Bee the Change at The 224 EcoSpace (2021), the Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ mural (2013), and his final public work, The White Oak Leaf Throne of Bushnell Park (2024).

Tao grew up at Still Waters in Voluntown, CT, and studied at Norwich Free Academy, Lyme Academy, The Cleveland Institute of Art, and Hartford Art School. Known for his craftsmanship, whimsical style, and thoughtful concepts, Tao created work that blended playfulness with depth, always aiming to inspire connection. Through his iconic murals, sculptures, illustrations, and decades of community-building, Tao’s legacy endures in the art he created and in the countless people he inspired.

Following Tao's passing in 2024, I made a commitment to preserve and share his creative legacy with the same care and intention that shaped his work. That journey has included publishing Tao LaBossiere Illustrated: Punny Word Play – Selected Works, curating a retrospective exhibition celebrating his life and career, establishing the Tao LaBossiere Artist Fund, restoring and documenting public artwork, and ensuring his creative contributions remain accessible for future generations.

Tao believed that art should spark curiosity, invite conversation, and bring joy. It is my hope that these projects continue to share that spirit and introduce his work to new audiences for years to come. Legacy Instagram @taolabossiere and Art of Tao LaBossiere on Facebook.

WHITE oak leaf throne of bushnell park

Tao’s final masterpiece: The White Oak Leaf Throne of Bushnell Park. Tao sculpted this breathtaking public art piece with the support of our amazing artistic team and funded by the community's generosity. Completed in July, this sculpture—crafted from a scion of the historic Charter Oak—is a tribute to Tao’s artistry and deep connection to Hartford. It is now a permanent part of the park's history and memorializes his creative legacy.

TAO Labossiere artist fund

A creative force and cornerstone of the arts community, Tao was cherished for his generosity, spirit, and commitment to helping others thrive. His absence left a profound void among countless artists and community members who were touched by his kindness and vision. Amid her grief, Amy LaBossiere took action to honor Tao’s legacy and help heal the community. She established the Tao LaBossiere Artist Fund at the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation to continue his work of uplifting and supporting fellow artists. The fund will support causes closest to Tao’s heart and the values he championed: creativity, collaboration, and the transformative power of art. Greater Hartford Gives created this video tribute to Tao in December 2024. Donate or learn more about the Tao LaBossiere Artist Fund: https://hfpg.org/TAOartfund