Church Hill Neighborhood Series

“Our neighbor Mrs. Roots has lived in her home for 50 years. In a gentrifying neighborhood, this fact alone is reason enough to celebrate. Throughout those 50 years, Mrs. Roots has raised her babies and watched her neighbors’ kids grow up. She has seen people move in and out and has watched the street change over the years, although she is quick to say Fairmount Ave. has always been a busy throughway. She continues to serve in her community in various ways today. This painting captures a moment when Pancho, a long-time member of the community, passes Mrs. Roots’ house and the two share a greeting. What appears to be a normal exchange between any two set of people passing each other holds something deeper— an exchange between two people who have roots here and who remain. This is a weight as a person new to this neighborhood within the last 5 years cannot fully understand, but its significance is something I am compelled to acknowledge and celebrate.”

— Christy Collins, Artist

Prints of this piece are available for purchase.

50% of the proceeds from this sale will be donated to Urban Hope.