Marking 131 years since well-known African American folk artist was born in Pender County

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — It’s been 131 years since Minnie Evans was born in Pender County.

Evans is one of the best known African American folk artists of the 20th century. She was born on this date in 1892.

She grew up in Wilmington and first began to draw at the age of 43 when she said she heard a voice tell her she must “draw or die.”

This set off a torrent of artistic creation that earned her international recognition in the 60’s and 70’s.

Evans’ artwork was often based on Bible-influenced dreams and visions that she had as a child.

Evans also worked as a gatekeeper at Airlie Gardens until 1974 and continued to paint and draw after entering a nursing home. She died in 1987.

Her artwork hangs in prominent museums throughout the East Coast including at the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington.