Minnie Evans: Draw or Die

A documentary exploring the life and work of North Carolina visionary artist Minnie Evans.

Minnie Evans: Draw or Die explores the life and work of a woman whose visionary art emerged from a spiritual inner world. Evans began her art in the 1930s and continued through the 27 years she worked as the gatekeeper at Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, North Carolina. Through research, family interviews, and Minnie’s voice, the film traces Evans’ life story from obscurity to national recognition. The film, released in 2026, coincides with national exhibitions of Evans’ art, with screenings at the Boston MFA, the High Museum of Art, and the Whitney Museum of American Art, film festivals and theaters, and the South Arts Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers. Donations support the film’s youth impact campaign that will bring the film and lesson plans developed with the Cameron Art Museum to NC schools and non-profits at no cost.