Rapunzel Sculpture by Heloise Crista

Rapunzel is held captive in her door-less tower by the all-dominating witch who keeps Rapunzel isolated from the world. Here is the moment when a voice calls out, "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair." Smiling with anticipation, she lets her hair fall to the ground. Who is waiting at the bottom to climb up? Is it the prince, her liberator? What is the real story?

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 Olgivanna and Frank Lloyd Wright’s daughter, Iovanna, and was a respected and extremely talented performer. In addition to dance, Heloise specialized in making highly-decorated, intricate costumes and sets for the performances, known then as "movement performances." Her performances and creations were influenced by her study of the philosophy of Russian mystic George Gurdjieff, which she continued throughout her life.

Over time, however, Heloise became known for her sculpture, an interest 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. Her sculptures have been incorporated throughout the campus at Taliesin West—where they continue to inspire visitors—and throughout structures designed by the Taliesin Associated Architects, the architecture firm created by apprentices of Wright, following his passing.