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formed   The Mississippi CHRONICLE - Friday, Feb. 24, 2006

All about Margaret Taylor Burroughs

By Marion Tumbleweed Beach

Margaret Taylor Burroughs, African-American and citizen of the world, is a universal woman golden fingers that capture time, human passions and record the landmarks of the triumphs, foibles, and calamities of the African American people. These golden fingers can sketch, chisel, tie brush, carve, mold, or write while sits visiting with friends, attending meetings in a corporate board room, on an airplane, train, or even on the back of a camel. She has a high level of controlled energy that enables her to create quality art while making it all look so easy to do. Observing Dr. Burroughs turn from one task to another call to mind the gift that was George Washington Carver. Like Carver, her genius is varied. Carver is the immortal scientist of the plant and synthetic rubber; yet he is also an arresting painter of landscapes and a fine craftsman in needle pointing, crocheting, and embroidering. Burroughs is gifted with varied interests and talents: Recognized in world art circles as a strong and prolific visual artist, she is hailed as a poet. "What Shall I Tell My Children Who Are Black!" is just one of her poems that has been translated into many languages. She is a former high school art teacher and college professor of the Humanities; yet she has remained a professional student, especially in the political arts.

Burroughs is an essayist who has published some provocative articles. She has published "One Must-Read" children's books. Wife, mother, and grandmother are roles that seemed to have enhanced her as an institution builder, civic leader, and founder of the first African-American History and Culture Museum in this country.

Within the epoch of twenty-century realism in art, Margaret has earned and received bushels of awards; but historians will pay homage to her for having brought art to the people. In 1939, she was one of the founders of the Chicago Southside Community Art Center. It is the first institution of its kind in the United States: A gallery for artists and teaching studios for aspiring artists of all age levels. In 1959, due to "social shutout" of many black artists from the large art fairs, she founded the Lake Meadows Art Fair which was open to all artists. This fair gave the masses a chance to view the difference between a picture and a painting. Some life-time collectors were born at that first Lake Meadows Fair. To further her goal of art for all the people or art in every home, she has turned to media which will allow persons who cannot afford originals to buy at modest prices prints in black and white. Margaret Taylor Burroughs has used her talents along with her winning personality to be a people's ambassador bringing about goodwill and aiding the struggling artists. She has always sought to "make it happen" for herself and fellow artists, whether they be painters or poets.

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Margaret Burroughs