art that challenges & encourages

Yesterday we went to one of the biggest art shows I've ever been to. The Arnold Mikelson Festival of the Arts is an annual art show and sale that happens on the three-acre grounds of the wooded Mikelson property in South Surrey. Over 100 artists of all kinds (pottery, jewelry, photography, paintings of all kinds, carvings etc. etc.) had their displays spread over the grounds. It was amazing. (If you're in the area, the festival is happening next weekend - July 12 & 13 - 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. as well.)

Artist Donna Smallenberg was there. I've never met her, but had heard of her and seen her work on display at New Life Church in Kelowna, when we used to visit there before my bro moved away. Her painting style is unmistakable and her subject matter rich with Christian symbols. Her website describes her work: "Donna Smallenberg's artistic style shows medieval, Victorian, and African influences and is spiritually and Biblically symbolic and significant for us today." One painting, "A New Name," struck me particularly.

View her beautiful gallery.

She relates some of the spiritual lessons she has learned while working as a professional artist on "the heart of the art" page -- lessons applicable to the Christian artist in any field, I think.

She also has e-cards!