Harriet Straub

Harriet Taub was a prominent figure in the arts and education sectors, known for her innovative work in material reuse and arts programming. She served as the Executive Director of Materials for the Arts (MFTA), one of the largest reuse centers in the United States, which redirected surplus materials to arts organizations across New York City. Under her leadership, MFTA became a vital resource for artists and educators, fostering creativity while promoting sustainability. Taub co-founded the nonprofit Friends of Materials for the Arts, which focused on providing teacher training and arts education, emphasizing the importance of environmental awareness in the arts. Her commitment to education was highlighted in her assertion that her proudest achievement was the establishment of the Education Program at Friends of MFTA. Before her significant contributions to the arts, Taub graduated from NYU's Steinhardt School of Education and initially pursued a career in education and fashion, even launching her own clothing line, Bumblewear. In 1979, she and her husband, filmmaker Harry Kafka, produced the documentary film Sosúa, which chronicled the experiences of Jewish refugees who escaped the Holocaust by settling in the Dominican Republic. Taub's multifaceted career and dedication to arts education left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of New York City, positioning her as a key advocate for the intersection of art, education, and environmental responsibility.