Augusta Habitat for Humanity Unveils Carter Memorial Door

Augusta Habitat for Humanity honored former President Jimmy Carter on March 20, unveiling a memorial door painted by local artist Leornard ‘Porkchop’ Zimmerman.

President Carter and his wife Rosalyn were active supporters of the organization, which helps provide affordable housing to struggling families. Together, they helped build 4,447 Habitat homes over the course of more than 30 years.

The door depicts one of Zimmerman’s signature robots, dressed in Carter-inspired work clothes, honoring the late president. Stand atop a ladder, the robot, wearing Carter’s distinctive kerchief, paints a fond farewell. The message reads: Thank you Mr. President. We’ll take it from here.

The door, along with a matching panel with signatures from Carter fans and Habitat supporters, will be displayed at the Augusta Habitat for Humanity Engagement Center. The engagement center was developed as a community space, but also a place where families with Humanity houses can come and learn how they can thrive in their new homes.

“This is about celebrater his spirit,” said Augusta Habitat for Humanity CEO Bernadette Kelliher. “And so we were very lucky to have a local artist like Leonard Zimmerman who could capture that spirit.”

Like much of Zimmerman’s work, the Carter tribute seems whimsical on the surface, but was carefully composed to capture, what Zimmerman felt, was the essence of the man.

“I approached this with real respect,” he said. “That was important. It needed to be correct.”

The Augusta door is part of a larger Habitat for Humanity initiative, with chapters all over the country unveiling similar doors.

The Augusta Habitat for Humanity is also working on its second annual Build the Band fundraiser. The event is schedule for June 21, 2025, at the Miller Theater.