Self-taught topiary artist Pearl Fryar will visit UT this month. Fryar, an African American man in his mid-60s who began creating a three-acre topiary garden in 1984 in an effort to win Yard of the Month for his home, has become an international phenomenon and is the subject of an award-winning film.

The film, A Man Named Pearl, will be screened at the Cox Auditorium, Alumni Memorial Hall, Wednesday, February 27, 7 pm. A discussion with Mr. Fryar will follow the film. The film offers an upbeat message that speaks to respect for both self and others, and shows what one person can achieve when he allows himself to share the full expression of his humanity.

Fryar will also visit the Pendergrass Library on the agricultural campus on Thursday, February 28. A reception will be held in his honor at 5:30 pm in the library, followed by a demonstration of his work at 6:00 pm.

Support for these events is provided by Ready For The World, the Commission for Women, the Black Cultural Center, and the UT Libraries Diversity Committee.