Julie Wilhite - juliewilhite.com

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Sure, he can't keep a plant alive to save his own life, but, then again no one is perfect… Green thumbs aside, Taft McWhorter is nothing short of an experiential superhero - balancing his roles as an artist, gallery owner, consultant, volunteer, husband and father (just to name a few) with precision, passion and grace. And, if that weren't enough to make the days overflow at brim, this dynamic dad still finds time for his favorite pastime, playing RockBand with his three teenage sons. His mission is to experience it all. Why? Because he simply loves life. 

 
A native Houstonian and a self-described “seeker,” Taft pursues experience, but craves more - aiming to discover the greater meaning in everything he does.  A lofty goal, perhaps… But, down for the count? Never! Not this ordained, pizza loving, philanthropist anyway… With passion as his super power, he invokes the force in every aspect of his life.
 
“I believe in the journey,” he proclaims. Celebrating 20 years of marriage to his best friend and life love, Dana, and the successful opening of his own fine art gallery, he credits good ol' fashioned hard work in allowing him to arrive at the location he finds himself today. Estimating his position somewhere in the proximity of 'happily-ever-after,” he notes that while nothing is created, learned nor accomplished overnight, “living a rewarding life is about enjoying every single day.”
 
As an artist, Taft is driven to create; fascinated with the evolution of something from nothing. Now, that's not to say he likes everything he creates, but rather that he is a firm believer that there are no mistakes. “Just like in life, mistakes in art are opportunity for growth.” Art and empowerment go hand in hand and according to Taft, it is dire that “our culture needs to constantly support it - from creation to proliferation.” 
 
Taft has had numerous mentors throughout his life, but most recently, he acknowledges Houston artist and former man in a skirt, John Palmer. Teaching him more than just the ins and outs of the art business, John's message was that anything is possible.  Now, Taft hopes to pass along that truth along to others. A motivating force, this month's man in a skirt is a natural leader with a history of supporting a variety of causes. Currently, his focus is on other artists - though his donation of time to Spacetaker's ARC (Artist Resource Center) and his consulting efforts which help enable artists to take control of their life, especially through the unique avenue of self expression.   

At the end of the day, Taft knows that doing something worthwhile takes more than vision; it takes effort, intention, hard work and self evaluation.  In his career, he has made a name for himself amidst the active Houston art scene in just 3 years and plans to make a larger impact in the next 5-10. Personally, a fantastic family, the motivation to constantly grow and moments, which are always cherished and never dull, are just a few of the invaluable rewards of the vibrant relationship he shares with his wife. There is always a new adventure!