04/06/11

Story by Peggy Graham

Topiary artist Pearl Fryar

Topiary artist Pearl Fryar to speak at JCCC

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Topiary artist Pearl Fryar, whose garden is recognized by art and botanical enthusiasts, and his wife, Metra, will speak from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 16, in the Craig Community Auditorium at Johnson County Community College. During the presentation, Fryar will sculpt a tree, which will be donated to JCCC and remain on campus.

An Evening with Pearl Fryar is sponsored by the Center for Equitable Education (CEED) in partnership with JCCC’s Student Environmental Alliance and the Horticultural Sciences Students Association. The event is a fundraiser for CEED, a nonprofit organization that provides environmental education and anti-bullying programs for underserved youth in Greater Kansas City, and JCCC’s SEA and HSSA.

When the Fryars sought to buy a house in an all-white neighborhood of Bishopville, S.C., in 1984, they were discouraged by the neighbors, who explained, “Black people don’t keep up their yards.”  Remarkably, instead of fueling bitterness and anger, this comment motivated Pearl to win the Bishopville “Yard of the Month Award,” using, in some cases, seedlings salvaged from the local nursery.  He eventually transformed his ordinary suburban yard into a horticultural wonderland, filled with topiary sculptures that express his vision of peace, love and goodwill.  This self-taught topiary artist and his whimsical garden are now acclaimed by art and botanical enthusiasts as well as visitors from around the world. 

Fryar will also do a presentation and demonstration of topiary artistry from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Afrikan Centered Education Collegium Campus, 6330 Swope Parkway, Kansas City, Mo.

Tickets for either the day or evening event are $25 for adults and $10 for youth 17 and under, available at the door.

For more information call Diane Swift at CEED, 816-931-2278, or email her. Information is also available at www.ceed4chng.com.

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