Draw or Die: Honoring Minnie Evans

"I have no imagination. I never plan a drawing, they just happen. In a dream it was shown to me what I have to do, of paintings. The whole entire horizon all the way across the whole earth was out together like this with pictures. All over my yard, up all the sides of trees and everywhere were pictures." — Minnie Evans quoted in Nina Howell Starr, "The Lost World of Minnie Evans," The Bennington Review vol. 111, no. 2 (Summer 1969): 41.

Born in 1892 in Long Creek, North Carolina, Minnie Evans was a self-taught artist whose vibrant, intricate drawings were often inspired by dreams and visions. She began creating art later in life, producing surreal, kaleidoscopic works that blended spiritual symbolism, nature, and personal imagination.

"Minnie’s work is lively and dynamic, so it made perfect sense to infuse this energy into the snapshots of her life that Linda gathered. I had the opportunity to revive these static moments from history, allowing them to momentarily come alive and complement Minnie’s stunning creations." -Erin Polich, Assistant Editor, Lighthouse Films

Though she worked as a gatekeeper at Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, NC, her true legacy was in her artwork, which gained national recognition and is now housed in major institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian. Evans’s ability to channel extraordinary creativity from everyday life makes her a profound source of inspiration.

“If you are local to Wilmington, you have probably seen Minnie’s unique art around town in Airlie Gardens or the Cameron Art Museum, but what you don’t see is the incredible history and story of Minnie Evans, the person and artist. Linda Royal and her team have beautifully told Minnie’s story by bringing her art to life in this documentary. It’s an honor to work on such a rare and informative film that hits so close to home. Minnie’s story reminds me that we are all capable of such immense feats if we just allow ourselves to express them. My main goal as colorist on this documentary was to complement Minnie’s vibrant artwork and enhance Linda’s storytelling.“ Paul Sitler, Colorist, Lighthouse Films

At Lighthouse Films, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire, challenge, and preserve the narratives that shape our world. Documentary filmmaking, in particular, is deeply ingrained in our DNA. It’s a medium that brings truth to light, fosters understanding, and cements legacies. That’s why we are proud to support a film that honors the life and work of Minnie Evans, a North Carolina artist whose visionary creations continue to captivate audiences today.

Minnie Evans embodies the kind of boundary-defying artistry that inspires and drives everything we do at Lighthouse Films. Her unrestrained creativity serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of providing filmmakers with the freedom to share their unique voices. As a native of Wilmington, Evans’ legacy shows us how valuable our local creative community is. Just as she transformed her world through art, we are committed to cultivating opportunities for filmmakers to bring their visions to life, right here in our own community.

Linda Royal, Executive Producer of the upcoming documentary Draw or Die about Minnie Evans, captures the significance of this project:

“What began for me as an initial curiosity became the journey of making this documentary film over the last several years. Minnie Evans’ life story is as moving, beautiful, and mysterious as her art. It has been a privilege to interview some of her descendants and champions of her art in Wilmington and in museums, including CAM, MoMA, and the Smithsonian. I am very grateful for the support and talents of so many people in Wilmington who helped get the project this far to honor Minnie Evans’ legacy and make her a more well-known and respected 20th-century artist.” - Linda Royal, Director & Executive Producer

Where to Find Minnie Evans’ Artwork

Cameron Art Museum (Wilmington, NC)

As Evans’ hometown museum, the Cameron Art Museum is a primary destination for those wanting to learn about her life and work. The Minnie Evans Study Center, housed within the museum, contains research materials, documents, and photographs that provide deep insight into her artistic journey. You can explore her original works alongside other pieces in the museum’s folk art collection.

Visit the Cameron Art Museum

North Carolina Museum of Art (Raleigh, NC)

The North Carolina Museum of Art features Minnie Evans’ paintings in its permanent collection. This museum frequently highlights regional artists, and Evans’ distinctive style has earned her a well-deserved place among North Carolina’s most important creatives.

Explore the NC Museum of Art Collection

Smithsonian American Art Museum (Washington, D.C.)

Evans’ work has been recognized nationally, with several pieces held by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Her surreal landscapes and imaginative compositions reflect a dreamlike vision that continues to inspire new generations of artists.

See Minnie Evans at the Smithsonian

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA)

The MFA in Boston has featured Evans’ kaleidoscopic works, which often merge natural elements with fantastical imagery. Her art, deeply influenced by her dreams and religious experiences, fits perfectly within the museum’s collection of folk and outsider art.

Learn More About Evans at MFA Boston

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York

Evans’ visionary creations have also been displayed at the prestigious Museum of Modern Art in New York City. MoMA has included her work in exhibitions focusing on self-taught and visionary artists, further cementing her place in American art history.

Explore Minnie Evans at MoMA

Thank you, Linda, for bringing us along on your journey. We believe the future of our industry depends on collective efforts to champion authentic storytelling crafted by human ingenuity. That’s why we’ve made a long-term commitment to North Carolina, establishing a world-class post-production infrastructure that was previously only found in Los Angeles. This investment allows us to keep high-level post-production work in the state while also attracting new projects that might have otherwise gone elsewhere.

Most recently, we provided post-production services for Jonas Pate’s upcoming series The Runarounds, demonstrating how Lighthouse Films can now host and fully execute projects of all scales. Lighthouse Films acts as a trusted resource for filmmakers, sustaining a model of production, post, and equipment that enables us to champion any size project with unparalleled support and impact.