About the film
We are passionate about bringing the story of Minnie Evans, one of the most important African American artists of the 20th Century to a global audience. Born in 1892, Evans was raised by her grandmother in Wilmington, NC during racial turmoil in the city. Propelled by faith, dreams and a voice suggesting she must “draw or die,” she began her artistic journey in her mid-forties. Much of her art was done in a small shed while working for 27 years as the Airlie Gardens gatekeeper.
The one-hour documentary by award-winning Director Linda Royal will feature rarely-seen art by Evans, uncovered archives, and interviews with Evans family members and museum curators. We filmed on location in New York City, Washington D.C., and Wrightsville Sound where she lived, worshiped and worked amidst its beautiful coastal scenery and gardens. Reenactments of a Minnie as a young girl show her work as a "sounder" at sunrise. Minnie's voice and words describing her visions and mystical experiences are featured through our exclusive use of taped conversations from the Smithsonian American Art Museum archives.
Exclusive! Watch the powerful video on the FAQ page of "Done Made My Vow" performed by the incredible Williston Alumni and Community Choir for the film at the Minnie Evans Sculpture Garden in Airlie Gardens. We thank the team at Hendy Street Produxions for their filming and editing talents in making this video.
About this Fundraising Event
We are very grateful for each fundraiser ticket purchased and every additional donation if you can help more. We need to raise $95,000 to finish the film. Your donations will help pay for post-production editing, music score, color and sound correction and graphics. Every donation large or small is appreciated and your support means everything to us!
A tax-deductible donation can be made through our 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, the Southern Documentary Fund (SDF), through this Link or the QR code at the end of the film preview. SDF will email you a receipt if giving $250 or more. Contribution levels and film credits can be found on the By the Brook Films Website. Please email bythebrookfilms@gmail.com if you have questions!
Or go to "Support Us" on this page. (not tax-deductible)
Although Minnie Evans was a self-educated artist, we believe art education and art educators can change a student's life. From each $10 donation, By the Brook Films will donate $1.00 USD to the North Carolina Art Educators Association to help fund scholarships, professional development opportunities and advocacy - "especially Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as they look to education and advocacy in the arts."
And please help spread the word! Share this virtual fundraiser with friends & family and please follow us: @minnieevansfilm on Instagram and Facebook.
Film Engagement & Impact
We're excited about the development of a film screening guide and K-12 art lessons inspired by Minnie Evans with our partners at the Cameron Art Museum. Any leftover funds raised to finish the film will help support art educators and designers for its creation.
“Minnie Evans: Draw or Die establishes a bountiful source of inspiration that will undoubtedly serve as an educational tool that contributes to a deeper understanding of art's groundbreaking impact in transcending a society, particularly those belonging to underserved communities.”
–– Heather Wilson –Executive Director of the Cameron Art Museum
