The Valerie J. Maynard Foundation carries forward the life and legacy of Valerie Jean Maynard, the Harlem‑born, Baltimore‑rooted artist whose work chronicled Black life with honesty, depth, and imagination. A close friend to members of the Harlem Renaissance, including James Baldwin, Valerie’s practice spanned sculpture, printmaking, installation, and public art. Her pieces—many held by the Baltimore Museum of Art—tell stories of identity, resistance, and community across decades.

Today, the Foundation is responsible for stewarding thousands of works created in Valerie’s former home and studio in Baltimore City. As a Black‑led, LGBTQIA+ affirming organization, they are building an institution that not only preserves the artist’s work but also uses the archival project as a living tool for teaching, community engagement, and intergenerational learning.

Their vision is expansive: