September 2020 Update: Thank you so much for your support! Your painting/prints/digital download purchases raised just over $800, which was donated directly to The National Trust for Historic Preservation. As of earlier this month, Nina Simone's childhood home was permanently  protected  after $69,000 was raised for the cause. Since the original goal of this fundraiser has been met, I'm shutting down orders for the time-being, and am always on the lookout for other ways to combine painting with activism. 

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As a long-time fan of the life and legacy of Nina Simone and of historic structures, I am excited to donate 100% of the profits of this painting, 10 signed prints, and an unlimited amount of high-resolution image downloads to The National Trust for Historic Preservation. This organization is currently working with a group of artists to preserve Simone's childhood home, as well as the associated stories of Simone's talent, bravery, and perseverance in the face of inequity.  

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I was drawn to this project because, as an artist and teacher, I am frequently reminded that who we choose to glorify and what we decide to preserve shapes which individuals and groups of people "make" history. This project is part of my goal to use art education and my artistic process to promote inclusivity. I created this painting of Nina Simone's childhood home using my signature mixed-media image transfer method to include a turn-of-the-century map of her hometown (Tyron, NC) in-between thoughtfully applied layers of paint.