A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-340 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE fourth DAY OF APRIL OF EACH YEAR AS "PEARL FRYAR DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO HONOR HIS BODY OF WORK AND THE CREATIVE IMPACT THAT HE HAS HAD BOTH ON THE ARTS AND SOUTH CAROLINA.

 

Whereas, the son of a sharecropper, Pearl Fryar was born in 1939 in Clinton, North Carolina. His loving, deeply spiritual parents instilled in him a powerful work ethic, moral responsibility, and the importance of kindness to all. A creative childhood encompassed barefoot summers, handmade toys and sports equipment, farm and pet animals, woodworking, and the experience of nature up close and personal. Like his brother and sister, Pearl helped out on the farm "from about the time I could stand up." Contrary to the life-sustaining rural Southern custom of hunting for food, Pearl could not bear the killing of animals. He loved the woods and open spaces. "It was a good life," he was known to say; and

 

Whereas, attending North Carolina Central University in the 1960s, Pearl was active in civil rights demonstrations in Durham, NC. He did an army tour of service in Korea. He married his childhood sweetheart Metra, and they lived in New York City. Pearl credits his years in the "can do" environment of the Big Apple as defining moments for his multifaceted life path. He says without hesitation, "I would never have made my garden had it not been for living in New York"; and

 

Whereas, Pearl worked for American Can Company/Rexam for thirty-six years, including during the manufacturing transition from steel to aluminum. While working full time and having moved to Bishopville, SC, he started his topiary garden. He had no formal horticultural background. His childhood penchant for trimming the homestead shrubs in interesting patterns had been frowned upon - then forty years later, he began unfettered pruning of trees and shrubs on his home property. "I'm just a man who cuts up bushes," Pearl said. The extraordinary transformation began with hundreds of plants, many excavated from nursery compost piles; and

 

Whereas, Pearl became known for his extraordinary three-acre handiwork. He was photographed and journaled for newspapers and magazines, appeared on television, and spoke far and wide at gardens, galleries, and festivals. The acclaimed documentary, A Man Named Pearl, charts his creative journey. He made a John Deere tractor commercial and attracted visitors by the thousands; and

 

Whereas, Pearl's son Patrick has since his own boyhood, adopted the family trend of thrift and recycling, and he says, "Daddy is all over this garden." One does indeed sense the artist's touch and presence throughout. Mentor and loving life partner for more than half a century, Pearl's wife Metra has witnessed his impassioned garden creation with admiration and deep understanding. As First Lady of the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden, she gives him all the credit; and

 

Whereas, Pearl's garden is intentionally apolitical, and spiritually nonsectarian. His message of "Love, Peace, and Goodwill" is a world citizenry gift and appeal. Offering a special feeling of sanctuary and oasis, the garden's living plant invocation is universal, transcending all differences among people and ideologies. Pearl has always wanted his garden to remain free to all, retaining a self-contained, intimate presence amid a quiet semirural residential neighborhood; and

 

Whereas, in support of their post-high school education, Pearl has created a scholarship fund for "average" students in South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, from the humble wellspring of ancestral African American roots, Pearl bears the torch of hard work, passion for life calling, and humility. Regardless of fame, he never compromised his strong values of simple living and exalted thinking.  Never tempted to be "bought or sold," living modestly in simple abundance, Pearl considered himself richly blessed.  He viewed his life as service to family, Spirit, and community.  His garden is an enthusiastic offering to all; and

 

Whereas, Pearl Fryar made historical impact on the art industry and was nationally recognized for his work that transcended around the world. Mr. Fryar peacefully passed away on April 4, 2026. Although he may no longer be with us, his legacy is something that lives on forever and will continue to be maintained for years to come. Now, therefore,

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

 

SECTION 1.  Chapter 3, Title 53 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 53-3-340.  The fourth day of April of each year is designated as "Pearl Fryar Day" in South Carolina to honor his body of work and the creative impact that he has had both on the arts and South Carolina.

 

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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