Restoring the Arts to the Church

Restoring the Arts to the Church: The Role of Creativity in the Expression of Truth
By Colin Harbinson

Copyright Article: http://www.lausanneworldpulse.com/themedarticles.php/409/07-2006?pg=all

What is A.R.T.? (Awareness, Reconciliation and Transformation)

"We are created to be creative: and we have stewardship responsibilities that come with that gift. The more we find fittingness in the God given responsibility, the more freedom we will find in our expression". -Makoto Fujimura

From Makoto Fujimura essay: What is A.R.T.? (Awareness, Reconciliation and Transformation)
http://makotofujimura.blogspot.com/2006/02/art-introduction.html#links

Artists as Curators of Truth

"...As a reflection of the Creator upon the created, every artist has the potential to become a curator of the message of truth, which serves to resurrect the underlying hope within the audience of mankind." -Ron Kelsey

Ron wrote a comment on Christian artist, Makoto Fujimura's website: www.makotofujimura.com

Art and Evangelism

"Both general revelation and special revelation are God’s masterpieces; He is the original artist/communicator. When we use the art we have created to communicate eternal truth, we are just copying, on a very small scale, what God has already done". -Paul Nethercott

Excerpt from Paul Nethercott's article: Using the Arts to Reach Japan for Christ
http://www.lausanneworldpulse.com/themedarticles.php/431/07-2006?pg=all

The Women of God Art Retreat: "Connect your Creativity to the Creator"

From Ann Hamilton
256 845 3398
Fort Payne, Al 35967

www.ArtForArtLovers.net traffic is now directed to
www.WomenOfGodArtRetreat.net

Blog: The Women of God Art Retreat

The Women of God Art Retreat
"Connect your Creativity to the Creator:"

Introduces art as a creative path to spirituality in a new and special way.

Curriculum:

Mornings: 10-12 am
Afternoon: 1:30-4 p.m.

Day One: Morning Opening with prayer of silence, and discussion of expectations from the retreat; Easily Amused Workshop, using acrylics to paint a favorite subject. Discussion on choice of subject matter. Afternoon, finish painting. Close with prayer of gratitude.

Day Two: Morning-Opening with prayer of silence; experimental workshop using mixed media by Ann Hamilton; workshop begins with demonstration; Afternoon, compete a painting using new techniques. End of day, silent prayer of gratitude

Day Three: introduction of watercolors; beginners and advanced-using techniques of Ann Hamilton; includes demonstration. Afternoon Session-Painting a landscape with watercolors. End of day, silent prayer of gratitude

Day Four: Morning- Opening with prayer of silence; Participants paint watercolor landscape under the direction of Ann. Afternoon-continuing to work with watercolors; end of day's session, discussion or retreat experience, creativity and spirituality Close with silent prayer of thanksgiving. Close of day write and open letter to family members, friends, or yourself describing the retreat experience (with permission letters will be sent to all members following the retreat.) End of day, silent prayer of gratitude.

Extra Day Five: Schedule of Private Lessons. $25 per hour (If Desired)Four Day/Four Night Retreat: $400 (Basic Supplies Included)

For more information, please contact Ann Hamilton:
450 Elm St. NW
Fort Payne, Al 35967
256 845 3398
ann_hamilton@bellsouth.net
www.WomenOfGodArtRetreat.net

Artists Links added: Karen Whitley and Angela True

The Ascribing Artists blog would like to welcome artists, Karen Whitley and Angela True! We have added their artist blog sites to our artist links. Please check out their artwork at: Karen Whitley and Angela True. 

Watch for their Featured Artist spot coming up soon! 

FACING JESUS PAINTING TOUR

http://facingjesus.blogspot.com/

Athen's AL artist Carole Foret started a new ministry

FACING JESUS PAINTING TOUR
AN ARTFUL, SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE

http://facingjesus.blogspot.com/

WHAT IS FACING JESUS?

Carole Foret’s painting “Facing Jesus” will be on tour from Easter 2009 through Easter 2010. Launching to it’s first Pilgrim, it will “live” in that Pilgrim’s environment for 14 days when at that point the Pilgrim must ship the painting on to the next Pilgrim. This Tour is open to only 20 Pilgrims and is open to people of all faiths.

"It is my joy to share my painting of Jesus with others as a ministry of making Jesus present in the lives of others in a unique way. For 20 people, who will be known as Pilgrims, this unique art experience will be possible. I want to hear their stories and experiences as to how the painting affects each Pilgrim as they live their spiritual walk with the painting, whether a person is just beginning his/her walk or furthering it. My own Jesus painting sits in my reading area so that I can gaze upon His face and feel Jesus’ “presence” more fully as I grow in my relationship with Him--I want to share that very invitation to grow with others." ~Carole Foret www.caroleforet.com

Featured Artist: Kathie Depew

A small sample selection of Cotton Ridge Pottery handcrafted stoneware clay pendants.

Pottery by Cotton Ridge Designs, Kathryn Depew, Owner & Artist

“Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand”. Isaiah 64:8

After appreciating and collecting wheel-thrown pottery for many years, I had the opportunity in July 2006 to begin lessons. The feel of the clay immediately captured my imagination, and I was hooked! We sold my first pottery at a craft show in December 2006, and the customer response encouraged me to continue. While admiring some lovely glass pendants, the idea
came to my mind of stoneware clay pendants, fired with the beautiful glazes used on pottery. Since that day, I have learned that artists have been making clay jewelry throughout history! I am rather awed that we can continue this tradition through my company, adding our own ideas and imagination.

My company offers moderately priced jewelry for customers who enjoy unique, handcrafted pieces. We first introduced the pendants at a craft show in 2007, and were greatly encouraged by enthusiastic responses from customers and friends.
Customers’ encouragement, orders from specialty shops and the opportunity to display my work in a local gallery all continue to buoy my eagerness to explore the endless possibilities in pendant design.

My sincere desire is to allow Christ to live His life through me to bless others and bring glory to God in all aspects of my life, including through my company. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) Art and crafts in various forms have been part of my life since I was a child, and I am thrilled to now be involved in creating stoneware clay art that can be enjoyed for years to come!

I grew up as an Air Force kid mostly in Southern California and northern Virginia. I now live in a rather quiet suburban neighborhood just outside of the city of Huntsville, Alabama with my husband of 9 years and my cat. After earning a B.B.A. in Accounting from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, I worked professionally as an accountant and an analyst for 10 years in the Washington, DC area and in Huntsville, Alabama. I started Cotton Ridge Designs, LLC, an internet company selling collectibles, in 1999. Cotton Ridge Pottery was established in 2007 under this existing company.

To learn more about Kathie Depew's pottery please visit: www.cottonridgepottery.com



Cotton Ridge Pottery
Cotton Ridge Designs, LLC, PO Box 35, Ryland, AL 35767
(256) 852-7791 crdpottery@bellsouth.net www.cottonridgepottery.com

Featured Artist: Shawn Doughty

“Who, What and Where State Art” ALABAMA, by Shawn Doughty, copyright

“Who, What and Where State Art” GEORGIA, by Shawn Doughty, copyright

“Who, What and Where State Art” VIRGINIA, by Shawn Doughty, copyright

Shawn Doughty ARTIST STATEMENT

As a self taught artist I was born and raised in Muncie, Indiana which is an artist’s haven having produced several well known artists such as landscape artist Bob Ross and Garfield comic creator, Jim Davis.

As I grew up in Muncie it was impossible not to be influenced by these men’s work to some degree as I would often sit on the couch with my grandmother and watch Bob Ross paint his small little rocks and bushes as he talked to the audience in his soft Godly voice.

My grandparents were very Godly people who not only encouraged my artistic abilities as a young child but also had a large influence in displaying their strong Christian faith in front of me which eventually lead to my acceptance of Christ in my life.
Over the years I have experimented with many different art mediums which included woodworking, woodcarving and painting. However, my childhood love of illustrating reemerged in my twenties and I began to experiment with ink and colored pencils. It was at this time I began to write and illustrate small children’s books for my little niece and then was also invited to draw and write devotionals for our Sunday school class which would be posted once a week.

It wasn’t until about five years ago that God gave me the idea for the creation of the “Who, What and Where State Art” series while living in Lexington, Kentucky. From that one state it has now grown into six states which include Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia and Indiana. Each piece usually consists on average of twenty-five to thirty different scenes which takes nearly four to six month to research and create.

God has definitely blessed my work and has also given me a wonderful family. My wife has been extremely supportive and prays for God to bless my artwork daily. If it wasn’t for her prayers and help I could not juggle my full time job as a chemist and try to grow my art business on the side.

I also have a wonderful son who is beginning to grow in his appreciation of art and loves God dearly, having accepted Christ as his savior two years ago when he was five. For all of this I give God praise!

To learn more about Shawn Doughty please visit his website at: www.WhoWhatWhereArt.com

Review of New Art Retreat from Women Artists

Artist, Michele Lee review:

I have recently had the opportunity, along with another artist and friend of mine, to be the first guests at the Art for Art Lovers Retreat. Let me tell you, it is a dream come true. I am going to try and write a review on it, but keep in mind…I am NOT in any way a writer.

The retreat is situated in the historic part of Ft. Payne, Al. The house built in the 1890’s, was true to its character. Sitting atop a hill, the teal green home with white trim almost called to us. As we pulled in to the circle drive we could almost feel ourselves opening up. The large trees and the view of the mountains close by, were all we needed for inspiration. Once we stepped into the back door, we knew we had arrived at the home of a true artist. There were paintings everywhere, soft comfortable furniture and a wonderful eclectic feel from the décor. We felt that we had come to visit family.

We arrived at the art retreat on Saturday and were given the day to ourselves to become acquainted with our surroundings, unpack and get settled in. Our host Ann Hamilton was nothing short of amazing. She gave us the space we needed for that first day. Soon our right brains would be thrown into the art. Taking one day to settle into the home and the slow pace helped us to unwind and let go of the busy world we had come from. We do suggest that you schedule enough time at the retreat to do this.

The retreat is not a place to be pampered and catered to but yet a place to snuggle into for a time of healing. A place to submerge oneself into the creative surroundings and the ability to paint at whim any time of day or night. We made sure that we had gotten enough groceries (lots of healthy food) for the week. There was going to be no stopping us once we got started.

For the next week we spent our time painting, napping, talking, eating and generally enjoying the right side of our minds. Ann provided us with a space to spread our creative wings. She also was able to teach several classes according to our different skill levels and requests. I had taken classes before but was pleasantly surprised at the amount of art that was produced this past week. The ability to learn a new technique and then apply it to a canvas for as little or as long of a time period as I like, was a gift.

Every day at the retreat was a new adventure. A new lesson learned. And a connection with God and art that was almost overwhelming. We visited the nearby Desoto Falls and had lunch at the Wildflower Café. We spend time getting to know our host and letting her know us. Ann Hamilton is a woman who is filled with an abundance of art and spirituality. And we left this retreat with much much more than we bargained for….something I cannot even put into words.
If you would like to read more about the retreat you can visit Ann’s website at http://artforartlovers.net/

Or you can get a little closer look into our time there by visiting http://www.micheleleeart.com/ or
http://pickmybrainsart.blogspot.com/

Chattanooga Miniature Society Workshop with Kathie Depew

Chattanooga Miniature Society
Fun Day 2009 "In The Conservatory"
Chattanooga, TN

What: Kathie Depew of Cotton Ridge Designs, LLC will be teaching a
One Inch Scale Garden Accessories class on Saturday morning at the
Chattanooga Fun Day 2009

When: Friday, April 24 & Saturday, April 25th. A variety of classes
will be held all day Friday and Saturday. The Sales Room will be
open free to the public on Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00.

Where: Comfort Inn Conference Center, 6710 Ringgold Rd., East Ridge,
TN. Phone direct (423) 893-7979 and mention the Chattanooga
Miniature Society for special room rates.

Description: Chattanooga Miniature Society has held a "Fun Day"
weekend at this location annually for several years. A variety of
classes are offered every year. A registration fee applies. This
year the classes include: a Vineyard Cellar Room Box, Gardener Doll,
Dish Garden in 1" Scale, 1" Scale Garden Accessories and more. A
Sales Room holding 8 - 12 vendors is open Friday evening and Saturday
morning to registered participants, and Saturday afternoon free to
the public from 1:00 to 4:00.

Contact: For more information contact Becky Wheeler at
RealMag1945@aol.com or Winifred Holloway at 423-629-2742.

For more information about Kathie Depew visit her website at:
www.cottonridgepottery.com

Featured Artist: Betty Burchfield

"Midge" by sculptor Betty Ruth, copyright


"Judith" by sculptor Betty Burchfield, copyright

"Cathie" by sculptor Betty Burchfield, copyright

"Betty Ruth, self portrait" by sculptor Betty Ruth Burchfield, copyright


Betty Burchfield AKA "Little Reb". I am an artist and also sculpt porcelain dolls. My Biography and dolls are on my website at http://www.littlereb.com/ and my oil painting website is http://www.treasuredreflections.net/

God gives us all a gift and what we do with that gift is our gift to God. He has opened many doors for me in both my businesses and has blessed me so much.

"Create today the dream that you dreamed yesterday"

Betty Ruth, began the endeavor of Doll Making when her Granddaughter Jessie, wanted her to make a "real Cinderella dress" for her Barbie Doll. Betty could not find a "real" Cinderella pattern so decided to design this doll costume herself. Before she had finished the outfit, she had orders for more Cinderella dresses and for other costumes.

Betty had always had the desire to be a fashion designer, but never dreamed it would be for dolls. This talent and her background in art has resulted in her own line of patterns.

For years, Betty was a portrait artist and attended Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Mo. Now, she says she doesn't paint "Dolls"....she paints "people". She gives each a name and "personality". Thus, a hobby has become a career with Jessie, of course, as Betty's "partner"...continued

To read a wonderful story about how God helped Betty sculpt and create "Debbie" below please visit: "The Miracle of Debbie"

"Debbie", by sculptor Betty Burchfield, copyright

Vicki Garner: Marguerite Rose Burton Art Show

Hey everyone,

Just wanted you all to know that I will be competing in the Marguerite Rose Burton Art Award Show from April 19th to April 30th. You are all invited to the "Meet the Artists Reception" to be held Sunday, April 19th from 1 pm to 3 pm at the MRB Gallery next door to the historic Crockett Theatre in Lawrenceburg, TN. There is no charge to attend the reception. Light refreshments will be served.

In conjunction with the show is a themed art contest in which the public will vote for their favorite painting so I hope that many of you will be able to attend and hopefully vote for my painting, lol. The theme this year is "Coffee, Tea & Me". The painting that I did for this theme is attached below.

This is a wonderful opportunity to view some beautiful art work and meet the artists who created it.

Hope to see you there!

Vicki

www.applepandowdy.com

Huntsville, AL: Monte Sano Art Show accepting applications

The Monte Sano Art Show is taking applications for their 2009 show now. The show this year is September 19th.  www.MonteSanoArtshow.org 

Featured Artist: Hugh Banks

Various Gourds by Hugh Banks, copyright

"Gourdeo Lamp and Gourdtrola" by Hugh Banks, copyright

"The GitGourd" by Hugh Banks, copyright

"The Dulcigourd" by Hugh Banks, copyright

Gourdin’s Story

Spring. Soil. Dark. Rain. Sunshine. Sprout. Blue. Photosynthesis. Roots. Taller. Trellis. Bloom. Tiny . Bigger. Bigger. Tougher. Dry. Cloudy. Cooler. Mold. Cure. Hard. Rattle. Craftsman. Artist!

That’s my story. As one of many gourd seeds sittin in a Wal-Mart display, I never even dreamed of what I might become.. Perfectly happy where I was, I dreaded the thoughts of lying in the mud in a pouring rain. “Sprouting” sounded painful…..too much “unknown” in this growin’ thing !

But, thanks to the mighty hand of God….things went well. And after all the growing and drying (and some adjustments made by my ole buddy Hugh) I hope you’ll like what I turned out to be!

Gourdin A Long

About the artist:

I believe that the ability to create art and music is profound evidence for the existence, majesty and generosity of God. What a blessing for Him to bestow on humans a measure of His creativity!

As I have observed our terrestrial orb, I have determined that what we see in the natural world is definitive evidence of a Creator….just as art is evidence of an artist. I have never seen a blank canvas turn into a beautiful painting without the application of intelligence, energy, skill and design.

One of God’s myriad of gifts to mankind is the gourd. I find them so very intriguing…..never knowing what they might turn out to be! So very practical to our forefathers….and so predisposed to beauty and creativity in the art and music realm!

Long before Tupperware and glass,….mankind used gourds in the fundamentals of survival. They were also used in some of the earliest musical instruments.

Gourds and I started getting together about 8 years ago. I had been painting oil portraits and various other more "mainstream" works for a while……but also became interested in the "natural canvas" of the gourd.

It seemed that God had provided a natural "craft store" right there in the garden!

As a musician, I am drawn to their natural utility as the basis for stringed instruments. Here you can see two of the instruments. One is a dulcimer. (the "dulcigourd" …….a friend says it looks like a Viking aircraft carrier!) The other I call the "GitGourd"….It is a guitar made from two large gourds. (The fretboards were crafted by my wonderfully skilled friend Jim.)
You can also see other various creations made into whatever the gourd "suggested ".

Thank you so much for viewing my work! At present, several of my pieces are on display for sale at the …Legacy Gallery….2801 Mall Drive Florence AL

Hugh Banks
www.getgourds.net
hjhcbanks@netspeednow.com

Calling all artists who wish to give the Lord praise for their talent and artwork.

The Ascribing Artists Blog is a creative ministry bringing together visual artists who wish to "Ascribe to the Lord the Glory due His name." Ascribing Artists recognize that anything they do pales in comparison to the Glory of the Lord. Artist are welcome to share their artwork, techniques, stories, praises, encouragements and advice.

The Ascribing Artists ministry is inspired by Psalm 29:1,2 we are to be "A Reflection of His Glory" in all that we do.

1 ASCRIBE TO the Lord, O sons of the mighty, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 2 Give to the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness or in holy array. Psalm 29: 1,2

As a part of this creative ministry, Ascribing Artists will be an avenue to bring together other artists with this same belief and offer a creative outlet for artists who "Ascribe to the LORD."

Submit bio, articles and info to AscribingArtists@gmail.com. Currently, we are looking for Featured Artists to showcase. If you are interested, please e-mail 3 or 4 low resolution images, artist statement or bio to include website or contact info. All info included on the Ascribing Artists blog will be reviewed to keep the spirit of the ministry.

Sponsored by Paul LaBathe (Empty Tomb Graphics) and Gina Hurst (Art Consultant)

Featured Artist: Amy McMullen

"Little Grasshopper" by Amy McMullen, copyright
"His Water Drops" by Amy McMullen, copyright
"Eye Candy" by Amy McMullen, copyright

Artist Bio

Hi! My name is Amy McMullen and I am a Freelance Photographer. I was born December 27th, 1975 in the beautiful state of Alabama, raised in a small town called Harvest. I graduated Sparkman High School at the tender age of 18. I soon became a millitary wife and young mother at the age of 19 while stationed at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, where I lived untill I was 28 years of age. I have always had a camera in hand and my love of photography has always been in my heart. I returned to my sweet home Alabama where my husband of 10 years passed away. My life was changed forever. I have remarried and we have added a beautful third daughter to our family. Where dose photography come in do you ask? After my third child was born, blood clots were to be found in my head, I was to remain in the hospital for three weeks, part of my stay, I was in a "deep sleep " for a week. I almost had a stoke the night I was brought in, to say the least, it was all very scary. After 7 months of treatment, I have recovered and no more blood clots! After such a scare, I have turned my love of taking pictures into my passion... it is a gift that God has given me. I have never had a class, nor have I read about or studied how to edit my work. I have great respect for those who have, I just know, this is my passion, and always has been. I am available for photo shoots. Please visit my website for examples of my Photo Art.

Contact info: loves2smile2008@aol.com or (256) 830-6942
Website: www.amysphotoart.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: TK Selleck

"Dew Kissed" by TK Selleck, copyright

If I ever doubt that God loves me—all I have to do is look at nature. His beauty and love is shown in everyday things. This rose covered in dewdrops is outside my back door.
Man, with all our abilities, could never hope to achieve such greatness.

"Majestic Monarch" by TK Selleck, copyright

The butterfly does nothing to enhance its’ beauty—it is just itself. The butterfly does what God made it to do…be a butterfly. Yet when we look at it, we can see God’s glory.
When we are who God made us to be—we hope to reflect His glory.

"Sanctuary" by TK Selleck, copyright

When I first saw this sight, I felt a wave of peace wash over me. As I looked at the trees near the end of the water’s path, the morning light was pouring through the archway. The thought struck me that here was God’s natural sanctuary—a place to let your mind rest—a place where your soul could fill with peace—a place to feel God’s love. It’s moments like these that are forever ingrained on my soul.

TK Selleck

Artist Bio

"I want my work to reflect God's Majesty. There are so many things around us that we bypass in our hurried lives. We wonder where God is, when He's really been there the whole time. He sends a butterfly our way and we swat at it—it's a nuisance. We see raindrops on rose petals and wonder if we've packed our umbrella. We drive thru a beautiful mountain pass and wonder how much longer until we arrive.

How many times had I, in my hectic life, missed the beauty God had created? I began to make a point to notice them more. Now, I want to capture these endless, fascinating things so others can see God's majesty."

T K Selleck Photography: Revealing God's Majesty Thru Photography. Scriptures added to amazing landscapes, delicate flowers, and intricate butterfly scenes make TK Selleck's photos stand out as an intimate combination of the spiritual and visual. TK specializes in landscape and nature photography.

Please visit TK's website at: www.tkselleck.com
Please visit TK's blog at tkselleck.blogspot.com
You can reach TK at: tk@tkselleck.com

Featured Artist: Ann Hamilton

"Enchanted Gardens I" by Ann Hamilton, copyright
"American Eagle Flying Over the Grand Canyon" by Ann Hamilton, copyright
"Morning Awakening" by Ann Hamilton, copyright

Artist, Ann Hamilton

In the early part of my adult life I was blessed with being able to use my gift of writing to become editor of a small community newspaper. It was not until my husband died in 1981 that I enrolled in college and began the study of art. My plans were to become a school teacher in order to be able to spend more time with my young son, who was nine years old at the time of his father’s death. Instead, once I took my first art course I was captivated.
As a result of this I spent the next four years taking all of the art courses I could at Northeast Alabama Junior College, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, and finally, getting my degree at Athens State University. This experience was the beginning of my pursuit of seeing and expressing my self through art. This journey has immeasurably enhanced my life, and I hope the lives of others around me, especially the individuals who have taken my art classes and workshops. It has been them and others artists that have most inspired me to continue to seek the meaning of art, as well as to continue to grow as an artist.
I have become an experimentalist, both as an artist and as a teacher. My students say they have learned for more in seeing me work than they ever could have from my more traditional lessons. They learn not to be afraid; that it is alright to make mistakes, and that these mistakes may become their best paintings. Watching them grow as artists is as rewarding to me as developing as an artist myself. Landscapes are my favorite art subject. My memory and my imagination provide the reference material for most of these kinds of paintings. I begin them by deciding where the light will come from and what colors to use. Often, I establish the beginnings of a path as a focal point of the painting. After I have gone this far, I usually step away from the painting and begin a different process; that of attempting to see it separately from myself. Following this, I paint freely until I feel my imagination is exhausted. Then, the tough part starts - bringing the painting together with harmony until it feels complete. Four years of studying art while working on a degree gave me the techniques and skills that I needed to become a professional artist. Continuing lessons and attending workshops further helped me to gain confidence in myself and my work. I have taken numerous workshops. I now show in local shows, exhibitions, and galleries. This year (2009), I have decided to open The Art for Art Lovers Retreat in my 1890’s Victorian Home, I envision welcoming artists from far and wide to the experiences that this lovely home and my large art studio have played into the development of my self as an artist. The URL for the Retreat Web Site is: http://artforartlovers.net

ArtforArtLovers - 450 Elm St NW, Fort Payne, Al 35967-Phone: (256) 845 3398; Email: artforartlovers@artforartlovers.net

Ann Hamilton
ann_hamilton@bellsouth.net
website:www.artforartlovers.net
blog:www.artforartlovers.net/blog/

Featured Artist: Mary Margaret Holmes

"September Rush" by Mary Margaret Holmes, copyright

"Redemption" by Mary Margaret Holmes, copyright

"Handel's Heart" by Mary Margaret Holmes, copyright

"Let it be" by Mary Margaret Holmes, copyright

Mary Margaret Holmes- Artist Bio

There are moments in every person's life that inspires an artist to create. Whether it's something as simple as a tree blowing in the wind or as wonderfully complex as the birth of a child, all these defining moments, good and bad, inspire.

I am an oil and acrylic artist from McCarley, MS now based in Tuscumbia, AL. I am a self-taught artist concentrating on abstract, landscape, wildlife, and Christian subject matter among others. I began painting at a young age under the supervision of my grandmother, also a landscape artist. My artwork illustrates a variety of vibrant colors using traditional themes with a contemporary twist. I do not limit myself to a particular style or theme but paint what God puts on my heart.

I am also the designer of a unique line of handmade jewelry, called Eddie-Alice Jewelry, which is featured at Coldwater Books in Tuscumbia, AL. Eddie –Alice Jewelry is centered around colorful mussel shells gathered from the banks of our beautiful Tennessee River. I continue to expand my creative horizons through exploring Alabama’s natural beauty and using God-given resources and talent to do so.

I am a wife of 4 years to her amazing husband and a mother to the sweetest 1 year old a mother could ask for. The are truly my greatest inspiration.

I am currently dedicating 100% of the profits from her artwork to a dear friend battling leukemia, so please take a moment to check out my website and read my blog for more information on my friend Troy. Please pray for him and his family.

May God bless you and yours with health, happiness, and a heart to help others by using your amazing talents.

Website: www.cedarhouseart.com
Blog: www.cedarhouseart.blogspot.com
E-mail: mmholmespharmd@yahoo.com