Artist Alexandra Grant Celebrates 50 Years of Creativity, Community, and Champagne

The multitalented creator behind LOVE Wine and X Artists' Books reflects on her vibrant life of art, literature, and joyful self-expression.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:55pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of champagne bubbles floating in a glass, capturing the luxurious, high-energy texture and lighting in a dramatic, abstract composition.The sparkling, joyful essence of Alexandra Grant's multifaceted artistic practice shines through in the effervescent bubbles of her LOVE Wine collaboration.Ferguson Today

Artist Alexandra Grant, known for her text-focused paintings and socially conscious initiatives, is celebrating a milestone 50th anniversary this year. From launching the grantLOVE nonprofit to co-founding the independent publishing house X Artists' Books with partner Keanu Reeves, Grant has woven her mantra of 'I was born to love, not to hate' into every facet of her effervescent creative life. As she reflects on her global upbringing, evolving wine preferences, and passion for literature and film, Grant offers insights into nurturing a lifelong love of learning and self-discovery.

Why it matters

In an era when many independent businesses and community-driven arts organizations have struggled, Grant's story highlights how a commitment to values-based creativity and collaboration can help sustain a vibrant, multifaceted career over decades. Her ability to seamlessly blend her artistic practice with entrepreneurial ventures, philanthropic work, and a deep appreciation for the world's cultural treasures serves as an inspiring model for creatives seeking to make a lasting impact.

The details

At the heart of Grant's diverse endeavors is a driving desire to spread messages of love, empowerment, and social consciousness. Her text-based paintings, which often feature the phrase 'I was born to love, not to hate,' have taken on new layers of meaning in the wake of events like the 2014 killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Grant sees her work as embodying that mantra through an 'effervescent' visual style that invites viewers to feel the positivity rather than just read the words. This ethos also extends to her grantLOVE initiative, which funds art nonprofits, and her partnership with J Vineyards to produce LOVE Wine, featuring labels designed by female artists.

  • Grant began incorporating the 'I was born to love, not to hate' mantra into her paintings following the 2014 killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.
  • In 2008, Grant launched the grantLOVE initiative to fund art nonprofits.
  • Grant and her partner Keanu Reeves co-founded the independent publishing house X Artists' Books in 2017.
  • The first batch of LOVE Wine, featuring a label designed by artist Genevieve Gaignard, sold out in 2026.
  • Grant is curating a show at Nuremberg's Neues Museum in July 2026 that will spotlight eight women writers or those writing in German.

The players

Alexandra Grant

A multitalented artist known for her text-focused paintings, socially conscious initiatives like grantLOVE, and co-founding the independent publishing house X Artists' Books with her partner Keanu Reeves.

Keanu Reeves

Grant's partner in love and business, with whom she co-founded the independent publishing house X Artists' Books in 2017.

Genevieve Gaignard

The artist who designed the label for the first batch of LOVE Wine, a partnership between Grant and California's J Vineyards.

Nicole Hitchcock

The head winemaker at J Vineyards, whose focus on terroir and local grape sources inspired Grant's appreciation for the brand.

Zoe on Ice

Grant's skating instructor in New York, who hails from Alaska and holds a master's degree from NYU's ITP program.

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What they’re saying

“The paintings have this effervescent quality. It's no longer just a phrase to recite; it's lived out in every vibrant dot.”

— Alexandra Grant, Artist

“What happens when the mantra actually clicks?”

— Alexandra Grant, Artist

“Growing up in France and then exploring wines in the U.S., I was puzzled when folks talked about liking Cabernet as if it were a place—it's actually a grape variety! It took time for me to grasp that Americans often prioritize the grape type over the region's specific terroir.”

— Alexandra Grant, Artist

“Learning something new, where you're not the pro, is vital. My instructor, Zoe on Ice (check her Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/zoeonice/), hails from Alaska and just earned her master's from NYU's ITP program. We chat about big ideas before tackling bunny hops, and at 52, I'm out there in sparkly leg warmers, rediscovering that playful wonder we all had as kids.”

— Alexandra Grant, Artist

What’s next

Grant revealed that the first batch of LOVE Wine featuring Genevieve Gaignard's label design has sold out, with another slated for 2026 featuring a new artist's design.

The takeaway

Alexandra Grant's multifaceted creative journey, from her text-based paintings to her entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropic initiatives, demonstrates how a lifelong commitment to self-expression, community engagement, and a spirit of joyful curiosity can sustain a vibrant and impactful artistic career over decades. Her ability to seamlessly blend her passions for art, literature, film, and wine serves as an inspiring model for creatives seeking to make a lasting positive difference.