Background: A lawyer for the National Labor Relations Board, Henderson collected old formal family photographs before she began buying artwork. Many of the old pictures, dating to the late 1800s, still hang in their elaborate frames in her dining room. "I had a sense of rescue. These were prosperous people, or people who saved everything for this moment," she said. "In my family, we have snapshots but no portraits. I could salvage these, even if I couldn't salvage my own family's." Her interest in photographic portraits led to an interest in painted, drawn and carved portraits.

Collecting philosophy: Henderson owns many portraits, including a collection of carved busts and heads. She also has abstract works by local artists.

TODD R. McQUEEN / Special (ENLARGE)

Lawyer Lisa Henderson says her favorite piece in her collection is 'Portrait in Black,' a limited edition print by Elizabeth Catlett.

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Favorite piece: "Portrait in Black," a limited edition print by Elizabeth Catlett, dated 1978.

Why she likes it: "Because she is such an amazing artist. If there was a fire, and I could only take one piece with me, this would probably be it."

Other favorites: "#20 Contemplation, Ln #6," an oil painting on plywood by Atlanta artist Kojo Griffin, dated 1999.

Why she likes it: "I like to appreciate and support local art and artists. Also, I like the fact that he's a black artist who doesn't work in an obviously black aesthetic," Henderson said. "He is able to be his authentic self in a way that doesn't feature saxophones or Kente cloth." Griffin's work was included in a 2001 group show at the Studio Museum in Harlem in which curator Thelma Golden used the term "post-black art." Golden was referring to work by artists adamant about not being labeled "black" artists, although they often were interested in redefining what it means to be black.

My Favorite Piece is a way to let Atlantans talk about the best-loved works in their collections. If you have a suggestion, email Kirsten Tagami at ktagami@ajc.com.