For nearly four decades, Bernard and Shirley Kinsey have been
brightly colored pieces of artwork, some that now hang on the Brogan Museum's walls.

But they haven't always lived a lavish lifestyle.

The Kinseys say they made the choice back when they got married, almost 43 years ago, to live off just one paycheck and to put the other, directly into savings.

"My mom was very very frugal. She had a wallet full of coupons and I went to the store with her and that's how I learned to shop," says Bernard Kinsey.

Many have asked how they've had the discipline to say 'No' to the wants and only "yes" to the necessities, but they both agree it wasn't a sacrifice, just a simple choice.

"So I tell people if you're not willing to give up Starbucks at $3.50 to $4 a day, or smoking, then you really are saying you want to live the life you have. Which, don't be mad at anybody, just know that you're not going to be able to do some of things that others that save," says Bernard Kinsey.

But in the here and now, their collection is speaking louder than words every could and is preserving African American history, one piece at a time.

"We've been blessed and one of our motto's is 'To whom much is given, much is required.' This is our responsibility to get this out," says Shirley Pooler Kinsey.

The Kinseys say their passion has turned into much more than just that, helping history and art intersect.