Sharing this piece of my mother’s artwork, Never Give Up, is especially meaningful to me.
My mother, Margaret Merida (1937–2026), was an accomplished artist and educator who devoted her life to creating, teaching, and exploring the power of art. Her work was exhibited alongside renowned artist Sam Gilliam early in her career, and she continued to evolve as an artist throughout her life.
For SOLE Strength, an exhibition created by Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Mom created a work inspired by a survivor’s story. It didn’t come easily. The pieces seemed disjointed and resisted coming together. But she kept working, saying, “I’m not a quitter.” Eventually, those fragments became something beautiful and whole, and a reflection of how a life can be torn apart by violence, and how healing takes time, courage, and the strength to keep going.
Mom passed away before she could see the exhibition. Knowing that this work is part of something that brings attention to domestic violence and supports survivors makes it even more special to our family. As President of MSCFV, I’m especially proud of her, grateful for her gift, and moved by the meaning behind this final contribution.
You can own Never Give Up while supporting the life-saving work of Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence. Online bidding is open through October 31. Please take a moment to view her work and consider placing a bid.
❤️ Bid on Mom’s artwork here:
https://events.readysetauction.com/mid-shorecouncilonfamilyviolence/solestrength/catalog/item/15
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