From a very young age, Georgia Taylor knew she was an artist. With this sense of identity clearly established since childhood, she has dedicated herself to the development of her God-given gifts and calling, continually seeking to understand fully what it means to be an artist.Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan to a family of artists, Taylor spent much of her young life involved in art programs and summer camps, including those offered by the Kalamazoo Institute of Art, and received continual inspiration from her mother and grandmother. In 1999, she moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan to attend the distinguished Kendall College of Art and Design where she earned her BFA and made a name for herself with her lifelike sketches, soulful paintings and uncanny ability to capture the essence of a moment in a photo. Taylor’s art came to embody the vision articulated by artist and painter Jeffery Smart, who stated, “It’s not a matter of painting life, it’s a matter of giving life to painting.” Soon after her graduation from Kendall, Taylor’s ability and passion captured the attention of world-renowned artist Paul Collins, and she interned with him for over a year.
Soon after this internship, Taylor held her first exhibition, the initial manifestation of Salon 477. After several successful shows, Salon 477 developed into a grassroots art movement based in Grand Rapids that gives voice, training and support to artists. A “gumbo” of music, spoken word poetry and art, Salon 477 showcases artists from the West Michigan area and beyond and acts as a mentoring program for young artists, offering them encouragement and support as they develop both personally and professionally. Sister exhibits have sprouted and a renaissance of artists of color has begun as a result of Taylor’s efforts. Salon 477 continues its development as a movement, business and nonprofit organization, promising increased influence in the West Michigan artist community in the years to come.
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