Gallagher Advises Talladega College on Transformative Art Sale

Gallagher served as legal advisor to Talladega College, Alabama’s oldest private historically black college, on the sale of masterpiece murals by artist Hale Woodruff to a consortium consisting of the Toledo Museum of Art, Art Bridges Foundation, and Terra Foundation.

The set of four murals, painted between 1939 and 1942 to commemorate interracial cooperation in the African American struggle for freedom and advancement, will be displayed in public institutions alongside contextual information highlighting their connection to Talladega College. Further, the sale agreement stipulates that the murals will return to the campus every six to eight years.

This deaccession transaction comes at a pivotal moment in Talladega College’s history and will enable the administration to ensure the school’s sustainability, while providing for continued public access to the remarkable paintings.

The Gallagher team, led by Donald Zeithaml and Mark Saudek, represented Talladega College throughout this transaction.

About Talladega College

Talladega College, Alabama’s first private historically black liberal arts college, has been known for academic excellence for over 150 years. Located in an historic district of the city of Talladega, Alabama, its main campus includes 44 buildings on 50 acres, surrounded by the city and gently rolling woodlands.

About Gallagher

For nearly 65 years, Gallagher has been a trusted partner to businesses and non-profits across the Mid-Atlantic region and nationwide. We represent leading universities, hospitals, financial institutions, real estate developers, and more. Our firm is experienced in a wide range of practice areas, including real estate development, affordable housing, civil litigation, confidential investigations, healthcare, employment law, corporate law, renewable energy, and tax-driven transactions. We pride ourselves on offering innovative, practical solutions with a personal touch, acting as your partner and trusted advisor. With a deep commitment to seeing challenges from every angle, Gallagher is here to help you navigate the complex legal landscape with confidence.