 "Photo: Ishmael Hinson/ Echo Staff Photographer")
Beverly McIver, N.C. Central University SunTrust endowed professor, is achieving fame with her artwork. McIver is the subject of a recent documentary film, "Raising Renee."
McIver graduated from NCCU in 1987. She learned to paint in the fine arts program during her undergraduate studies. "I'm glad to be back at NCCU," said McIver.
"I teach great students. It's a fabulous feeling to give back." While pursuing her careers as both a professor and an artist, McIver has gained national recognition. Two of her friends, Jeanne Jordan and Steven Ascher, wanted to create a film about her success.
That idea became "Raising Renee." The documentary trains a lens on McIver's personal and artistic life over six years.
The film begins with McIver's experiences living in New York. McIver's life and the film take an unexpected turn when her mother passes away.
The event leaves McIver with a responsibility: Renee. McIver's older sister Renee is mentally disabled and was living with their mother at the time of her death.
McIver promised their mother she would take care of Renee. McIver, who was living alone in New York, had to change her lifestyle. She had to accommodate her sister and her way of life, which includes making meals for her every day and helping her with human interaction.
McIver moved Renee into her home in Phoenix, where she lived while working at Arizona State University.
This living situation worked for a while, but she decided to move back to the east coast for Renee, who previously lived in Greensboro. McIver is one of few SunTrust endowed professors, and the only one at NCCU. Her endowment allows her to focus on her painting.
She also helps her students with art supplies such as canvases, paint and brushes. "It is wonderful to be an endowed chair," said McIver.
"We are few and far between." McIver only teaches during the spring semester. She teaches Painting 1, 2 and 3, as well as Advanced Studio. "Raising Renee" is scheduled to air on HBO Feb. 22 at 8 p.m.
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