SR 193: Taylor, Troy; recognize

Senate Resolution 193

By: Senators Jones of the 10th, Mallow of the 2nd, Goodman of the 8th, Merritt of the 9th, Sims of the 12th and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Troy Taylor; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Troy Taylor's interest in art began while working as a fine art poster repair clerk at Bruce McGaw Graphics during his sophomore year of college, a passion that steadily grew during his distinguished career in engineering and corporate leadership; and

WHEREAS, in 2009, inspired by his global travels, he founded ZuCot Gallery in Atlanta's Castleberry Hill neighborhood, transforming a dirt-floor commercial space into a contemporary fine arts gallery; and

WHEREAS, he named the gallery in tribute to his paternal grandmother, Frances Ann Taylor, who was among the first women permitted to own a stall in the local produce market within the British colony of Saint Christopher, now St. Kitts, where she developed the reputation of being "as tough as a ZOO CAT"; and

WHEREAS, in 2011, Troy Taylor attended an art show held by Onaje and Omari Henderson, owners of Premier Art, who had built a platform to showcase and market African American artists after recognizing a gap in art education and accessibility; and

WHEREAS, Troy Taylor partnered with the Henderson brothers in 2012 to re-brand ZuCot Gallery with a primary focus on the works of living African American artists, forming "The Art Brothers" and adopting the philosophy that art is a reflection of one's personal character and values; and

WHEREAS, ZuCot Gallery has since grown into the largest African American fine arts gallery in the southeastern United States, representing artists from across the country and attracting a diverse clientele; and

WHEREAS, the gallery has hosted countless events for congressmen, senators, supreme court justices, mayors, professional organizations, Fortune 500 companies, students, and the public, earning its reputation as a hub for networking, education, and cultural engagement; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable individual be appropriately honored.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize and commend Troy Taylor, founder of ZuCot Gallery, for his many outstanding contributions on behalf of the arts as well as extend best wishes for continued success. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Troy Taylor.