GBM Blog

Professor Maathai is Honored by Oregon Artist in Portrait

April 23, 2015 - 11:50AM
Published by Communications

Inspired by Professor Wangari Maathai, April Waters has painted a beautiful portrait to honor her at an upcoming art show. Waters is a talented painter who gets inspiration from water and her passion for the environment. This is apparent in her breathtaking landscapes as well as in a unique exhibit titled “Sheros”, Contemporary Women Leaders for Peace and the Environment. This exhibit highlights six women leaders, including Professor Maathai.

Waters had the opportunity to meet Professor Maathai in Seattle and learn more about her and the Green Belt Movement, while also photographing her in order to render a larger-than-life size portrait of Professor Maathai to be presented alongside the other portraits in the exhibit.

Waters hopes to bring many students through the shows to introduce the Green Belt Movement’s work to young men and women

Upon completion of these shows, Waters will sell the portraits, of which a portion of the proceeds will go to the Green Belt Movement and other distinguished causes. She hopes for the paintings to end up in a museum or non-profit where the public may enjoy them and learn more about the causes of the incredible women she has painted.