Art for Natalia, 2025 Print

Each year, we will release one print of Natalia's original artwork as part of an ongoing annual fundraiser. 100% of proceeds go toward the Natalia Duque-Wilckens Scholarship Endowment at NC State University, supporting the next generation of compassionate scientists who share her passion for biological sciences, animal welfare, and a more sustainable world. All prints are being generously donated by Jerry's Artarama of Raleigh.

How it Works

Three steps to bring her art into your home.

Make Your Donation

Contribute a minimum of $100 to the scholarship endowment through the NC State link above.

Choose Your Format

Select your preferred print size of this year's featured painting — Little Blue Car.

Receive It

Ship to your door via PayPal, or pick up in person at Jerry's Artarama in Raleigh.

2025 Featured Print

One painting. One year. One chance to own a piece of her world.

2025, Year One

Little Blue Car

Pastel on canvas

A vintage Fiat 500 in the brightest of blues, flanked by towering snake plants in warm terracotta pots — painted with the same bold color and quiet joy that defined everything Natalia made. The car seems ready to go somewhere wonderful.

This is the first print in what will become an annual tradition: one painting from Natalia's body of work, offered each year to those who support her endowment. Future years will bring new pieces — each one a new window into her world.

Claim Your 2025 Print

Complete your $100 minimum donation at NC State first, then fill out this form.

🎨 This year's print is Little Blue Car — pastel on canvas by Dr. Natalia Duque-Wilckens.

Format

18×24"Standard frame compatible

DigitalPhoto fileChoose this if you'd like to print a smaller size at a local printer (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), or use it as a wallpaper, screensaver, or display it in a digital frame.

How would you like to receive your print?

📦 Ship to Me Via PayPal checkout

🖼️ Local Pickup Jerry's Artarama, Raleigh NC

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📦 All packages will be shipped from Raleigh, NC. Exact costs and a payment link will be communicated within 72 hours of submitting your address. If you don't hear back, email steier@gmail.com.

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📍 Jerry's Artarama, Raleigh, NC
We'll email you when your print is ready for pickup. Drop offs are made to Jerry's every 2 to 3 days.

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Her Legacy

The endowment this annual series supports will carry her values forward.

🔬

Science & Discovery

Supporting future researchers in biological sciences who share her curiosity and interdisciplinary spirit.

🐾

Animal Welfare

Natalia was a fierce advocate for animals and devoted herself to rescue causes she deeply believed in.

🌿

Nature & Environment

She believed deeply in the interconnectedness of all life and championed environmental stewardship.

🎨

Art as a Bridge

One painting per year — a new way to carry her forward, and a reason to return.

About Natalia

Scientist. Artist. Animal rescuer. Friend to anyone lucky enough to know her.

Dr. Natalia Duque-Wilckens was a Professor of Biological Sciences at NC State University, where her research spanned neuroscience, toxicology, and immunology. Though her tenure was brief, her impact was immediate, admired by students and colleagues alike for her intellect, her warmth, and a rare gift for making everyone around her feel deeply seen.

She was equally at home with a paintbrush as she was in the lab. Natalia's artwork reflects the same curiosity and wonder she brought to her science, an eye for pattern, beauty, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

Born in Chile, she carried her roots with her everywhere. She was a fierce rescuer of animals, a lover of wild places, a devoted partner who was planning her wedding just weeks away. She was, by every account, a go-getter and a finisher.

She is deeply missed by her fiancé Trevor, her family in Chile, her students, her colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. As Trevor has said simply: "She taught me how to love unconditionally."

She was brilliant and an inspiring mentor. Her presence and impact on science will be greatly missed.

Serious one second, goofy the next. She was thoughtful, creative, and breathtaking. I'll miss our dialogues and her random silliness to no end.

She brought me in, cooked for me, and made me feel at home. I called her my sister. We played music together, we cried together. She meant so much to me.