Minnie Rochelle Watkins was born December 25,1963. Minnie is a full time visual artist best known for her black and white portraiture and mixed media pieces. She mostly uses acrylic on canvas or wood. She is also an illustrator and digital artist. Minnie is a Chicago native and resides in Bronzeville. Her work has been described as  "A revival of the Harlem Renaissance''. (Dr. Willetta Green Johnson)

Minnie has always used abstract art as a release from the technicality of portrait painting; it is evident in her “Barn-house” paintings series.  She recently had a stroke in which she suffered some temporary damage to her left side mobility. Her doctor reminded her  here was more than one way to create. Minnie chose abstract as an avenue of expression.

Since 2018 her works have been featured in corporate exhibitions like the Hyatt Hotel, Twitter, MB Financial and The Federal Reserve Bank.

Minnie has received the 3Arts Award from the State of Illinois, and she won an executive summary writing competition held by Sunshine Enterprises. She has exhibited in The Dusable Museum (a Smithsonian Affiliate), The Museum of Contemporary Art via Command Ground Foundation, The Museum of Science and Industry, Ayzha Fine Arts Gallery (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), Gallery Guichard (Chicago, Illinois), BAM, Art Basel Week and The Harlem Fine Art Show.

Her painting of Ida B. Wells is in the permanent collection of Hillary Rodham Clinton. Other collectors are Dr. Denise Burton, Cheryl Burton (ABC News Anchor), Dr. Jehan Ellis, Candy LaFlora (singer), just to name a few.

Minnie earned a B.A. from Columbia College in advertising and marketing. She also earned several certificates  n education and business. She was an instructor at Truman College and Columbia College.  She also taught art in CPS schools. Minnie worked as a trainer for Ambrosi Advertising and  was promoted to Art Director. She managed the prepress department where she held the title of print specialist.

Minnie is currently working in her studio daily, painting abstracts and exploring new art techniques and mediums.