Black History Month Cape Fear Stories: Minnie Evans

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Minnie Evans’s view of the world was different than most of us.

Born in rural Pender County and raised in Wilmington, she said the images she turned into art came to her in dreams.

It was in a dream where she claimed God told her to paint or die.

As a teen, Evans began working in the home of Pembroke Jones, whose wife Sarah established Airlie Gardens.

Evans became known as the Artist of Airlie, where she served as the gatekeeper, collecting admission and selling her art.

The ornate grounds inspired her art, highlighted by vibrant colors, angels, flora and fauna.

30 years after her death, her work lives on at Airlie through the Minnie Evans Bottle Chapel, which was inspired by her artwork.

Her name also graces the Minnie Evans Arts Center at New Hanover County’s Ashley High School.