Christy Collins is an oil painter based in Richmond, Virginia who considers herself first and foremost a storyteller.

Her work includes anything from personal commissions to pieces of her own inspiration— her favorite being the interplay of diverse and universal human experiences that can be expressed through candid gesture in organic environments, with an emphasis on the eternal.

Her reflection on the beauty in Black Neighbors in Church Hill can be explored through this series here.

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Art Reception

Mrs Roots, lifelong neighbor and resident of Church Hill, and her family members with the painting of Mrs Roots’ home.

Additional Art Available for Purchase

Indigenous Peoples' Day 2024 | 24x36

$1,296.00

Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024 celebration was held on Powhatan Hill in Richmond, Virginia, just 7 blocks from where I live. Powhatan Hill is considered to be the historical place where Christopher Newport and John Smith first made contact with Powhatan people and where they eventually interacted with Chief Powhatan, who reigned over the Powhatan confederation, making it the appropriate place to honor the peoples who came before us and are indeed still here.

My family and I attended and got to experience the beauty of the jingle dress dance and spoke with one dancer, Alycia, who is featured on the right in the painting and is a member of the Pamunkey tribe in Virginia, about the meaning of the dance. She shared with us how her dress has 365 cone shaped bells sewn to it and how each bell represented a daily prayer for healing. When the dance is performed, the bells clink together in a sound reminiscent of rain, and it is a worshipful act on behalf of the community for those who may be sick, grieving or in need of healing. It was beautiful to not only experience the dance but get to speak with Alycia who helped educate us so we could truly appreciate it for what it is.

I made this painting to highlight the beauty I see in Virginia Indians and all Native Americans.

Check out PocahontasProject.org to learn more about the significance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and current efforts.