The ACAC Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to honor the life and legacy of Marolyn Zoey Upshaw, who founded Austin Creative Art Center to inspire a love of art and ignite creativity in others. This scholarship aims to support and inspire students who share ACAC’s commitment to fine arts.

Scholarships will be awarded to deserving students who demonstrate qualities, such as leadership, dedication, academic excellence, etc. and a passion for visual art. It is our hope that through this scholarship, ACAC’s spirit and dedication will continue to make a lasting impact on future generations.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Zoey’s legacy by contributing to the ACAC Memorial Scholarship Fund. Your generous support will ensure that Zoey’s dream lives on through the achievements of the scholars who receive this award.

ABOUT MAROLYN ZOEY UPSHAW

Marolyn Zoey Upshaw, 70, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on December 8, 1953, in Dallas, Texas, Zoey spent her life as a creative force, inspiring those around her with her passion for the arts and her unwavering commitment to education.

Zoey was a passionary, who helped ignite the creativity in others. Her dreams of guiding students of all ages through painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and ceramics were realized at Austin Creative Art Center (ACAC), which she founded more than thirty years ago. Through ACAC, she opened the doors of artistic expression to her community, making art accessible to everyone, regardless of background or skill level. Her belief in the transformative power of art was the cornerstone of her life’s work.

Zoey’s career was multifaceted. She was not only an educator, teaching visual arts at institutions such as; St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Eanes ISD and Acton Academy but also a leader in the creative industry, serving as an Art Director and Freelance Production Artist. Her professional journey was a testament to her versatility and dedication, influencing countless lives both inside and outside the studio.

Zoey’s life was an exquisite blend of artistry and adventure. She was a painter, sculptor, and musician who expressed herself through a variety of mediums, each a reflection of her vibrant spirit. Whether she was strumming her guitar, playing the piano, or one of her many Native American flutes or creating a new sculpture, Zoey approached life with the same enthusiasm and curiosity that she brought to her art. She found joy in the simple pleasures—dancing, swimming, horseback riding, and spending time in nature—always embracing the beauty in the world around her.

Zoey’s legacy is carried on by her daughters, Carlyn Kidd and Taylor Mitchell; her sister, Charla Montgomery; her brother, Larry Upshaw; and her grandsons, Cayce Kidd and Westly Mitchell. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carolyn and Forrest Upshaw. Her family will forever cherish the memories of her creativity, humor, and boundless love.

Zoey’s presence in our lives was a masterpiece—a vibrant, colorful, and unique work of art. As we remember her, may we find comfort in knowing that her influence will continue to brighten our world for years to come.