Beverly McIver is widely acknowledged as a significant presence in contemporary American art and has charted new directions as an artist. She has accumulated more awards and honors than many artists receive in a lifetime, which she pays forward by teaching younger generations about the power of art and the hard work it takes to make it a career. There are numerous artists today who credit McIver for their professional achievements. McIver is also Professor of the Practice of Art, Art HIstory & Visual Studies at Duke University, and prior to this appointment, she taught at Arizona State University for 12 years. 

McIver was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, as one of three daughters—including her sister, Renee, who has developmental disabilities—of a single mother who worked multiple domestic jobs to make ends meet. She eventually received a BA in Painting and Drawing from North Carolina Central University and a MFA in Painting and Drawing from Pennsylvania State University. In 2007, her undergraduate alma mater bestowed her with an honorary doctorate. Her career as a painter are reminders to herself and her audience of the journey she endured in order to understand the many aspects that collectively shape her identity. The images are also powerful statements about larger issues that affect and challenge everyone, including stereotypes, self-acceptance, family, otherness, illness, death and, ultimately, freedom to express one’s individuality.