Dianne Talan has lived in lower New York City for the majority of her life and it has been inspiring her for decades. Talan graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design and came to New York City in 1967 after a year in Rome under a Ford Foundation grant.

The artist has exhibited extensively in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout New York City since the 1970s. Her artwork is in private and corporate collections worldwide, including the offices of ASCAP and the collection of David Bowie. She has taught and lectured at colleges and universities that include the School of Visual Arts, Rhode Island School of Design and Yale.

Dianne Talan became political and active in the community in the late 1970s and early 80s. She organized a group of artists and businesses displaced from the American Thread building by their new owners. They lost the battle, but Dianne worked closely with the Department of Cultural Affairs resulting in a moratorium on evictions for artists.

In 2011, Dianne covertly painted the panels of the construction fences hiding the construction site working to replace the water mains along Chambers St. This guerrilla art led to The Department of Design and Construction commissioning her to create an additional 280 feet more of paintings. She was honored during Women’s History Month for her “unconventional contribution to construction” for the project.

Dianne Talan currently splits her time between New York City and her home in the Hudson Valley. She continues to be inspired by New York City and paint her muse.