'I'm not done. I have more ideas.' - Artist stamps Harriet Tubman on $20 bills

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Treasury announced Harriet Tubman $20 bills would begin to print by 2020. But when the White House put a hold on those plans until 2026, a local artist was inspired to take matters into her own hands.

News 12 Staff

Jan 7, 2020, 12:44 AM

Updated 1,774 days ago

Share:

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Treasury announced Harriet Tubman $20 bills would begin to print by 2020. But when the White House put a hold on those plans until 2026, a local artist was inspired to take matters into her own hands.
Dena Cooper 3-D-printed her drawing into a stamp that overlays Tubman's face over Andrew Jackson's. "I think it's almost an artist's responsibility to think about these topics and if it's something that does impact you on a personal level to really push and show other people how important it is," said Cooper.
She says she took a particular interest in the change in currency, saying Tubman's life is worthy of the honor.
Cooper is also passionate about woman's rights. She recently designed a tote bag to sell and donate all of the proceeds to Planned Parenthood.
"I'm not done. I have more ideas and I think I'll be doing more projects in the next few years to try to gain awareness for women's issues in general," said Cooper.
She says she feels it's important to use her art to impact change. Cooper says so far there are nearly 400 $20 bills in circulation that have been stamped.
Cooper hopes to stamp many more until the currency is actually redesigned.