Date: Fri 23-Apr-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: JAN

Quick Words:

Christiansen-Van-Deusen

Full Text:

Roaring Lambs Combine Art And Ministry

(with photo)

BY JAN HOWARD

Art combines with ministry in the Roaring Lambs Visual Arts Group show

beginning Sunday, April 25, at 5 pm, and continuing through Sunday, May 2 at

the Walnut Hill Community Church in Bethel.

Newtown artists Betty Christensen and Kira Van Deusen will be displaying their

artwork with other Christian artisans at the Walnut Hill Road church.

The Christian world view will be depicted in mediums that include textiles,

graphic design, furniture art, painting, wildlife photos and African baskets

with a variety of Biblical and creation themes.

There will be a gallery tour with an opportunity to meet the artists. To

arrange for group tours during the week, contact Julie Bartlett at

860/355-3292 or the church office at 203/796-7373.

Mrs Christensen, who has been painting ever since she was in second grade,

studied at the Philadelphia College of Art. She worked in advertising in

Philadelphia before moving to Newtown in the early 1950s where she began

painting fine art in her home studio. Occasionally, she does commissioned

work.

She works professionally in watercolors and only recently began painting in

oils "for my own amazement and fun. It's kind of relaxing once in a while to

do them," she said.

"I just love what I'm doing," Mrs Christensen said. "I have to paint something

that I love and has beauty and impact."

"I love New England landscapes. I love God's creation and that inspires me,"

she said. "I also enjoy painting from my travels in Europe and architectural

subjects. It depends on whether a subject hits me. It has to have good

composition or a dramatic play of light and shadows and values."

Mrs Christensen has been a member of Walnut Hill Community Church since 1981

and is a member of its Roaring Lambs Visual Arts Ministry, which was created

about a year ago.

"I think it's an exciting new venture that churches are taking. It's like a

mini Renaissance. We're beginning to use art to glorify God," Mrs Christensen

said. "During the Renaissance, churches were patrons of the arts. We got all

our works of art through the church. It's good we're getting more cognizant of

that in our church."

"The churches want to glorify God through all the arts. I think I should use

my gift to glorify His name," she added.

Mrs Christensen is a member of several art associations, such as the American

Watercolor Society and Connecticut Watercolor Society, and has exhibited in

the Metropolitan Museum in New York, National Academy of Design, National Arts

Club and other shows.

Her artwork has received over 80 awards, including the Gold Medal of Honor

from Audubon Artists in New York and Helen T. Stanley Award from the Hartford

Society of Women Painters. Examples of her artwork are included in the

permanent collection of Mattatuck Museum and in Book 7 of Prize-Winning Art.

She is listed in Who's Who in American Art .

Starting With

A Scrapbook

Mrs Van Deusen's creative ability began as a four year old, when a scrapbook

she had designed was shown on Romper Room. She said she didn't watch the

broadcast because she just wanted to continue to create.

During high school, she won art awards and continued to pursue watercolors and

mixed media painting. At Kings College, she developed an art curriculum at the

suggestion of her adviser. Under the guidance of art professor Karleen

Loughran, the program became accredited, and Mrs Van Deusen graduated with a

bachelor of science in elementary art education and a fine arts minor.

She taught for a year in a private school, but decided to choose painting over

teaching. "I have to be in the thick of it. I need to be hands-on and get

dirty," she said. "Teaching was torture to me. I wanted to foster creativity

in the children and felt that meant not showing them a teacher-made sample to

model after. It sounds bizarre, but I just couldn't imagine my life without

using the art materials!"

Van Deusen Designs, which she operates from her home, is her artistic venture.

"Lately there is a trend towards the use of faux finishes, trompe l'oeil,

murals, and borders in home decor. Many people hire me to add that extra

window, interior window box or a border of flowers to their living spaces.

Another frequent client request that I have fulfilled many times is

incorporating the family pets on walls in unique locations," she said.

"Original artwork brings a unique and personal touch to a home."

Mrs Van Deusen said, "I am a creative thinker and can drive my husband crazy

saying things like `Don't throw that away. I have a great idea to make

something with it!' I love bright colors, and I like to bring nature indoors."

She thrives on the challenge of recycling a piece of furniture with a wild

coat of paint and some sculpture-like details, to give it a second chance.

"These pieces of furniture are becoming my calling card. A one-of-a-kind chair

is a great conversation piece or foyer entry eye catcher," she said.

Mrs Van Deusen is currently finishing a commissioned 48 inch by 60 inch oil on

canvas of the 14th hole at Richter Park Golf Course, which will be one of

three pieces on display at the Roaring Lambs Art Exhibit.

"God is the divine creator, and we are created in his image, hence we are all

small creators," Mrs Van Deusen said. "In my life, art is an extension of

praise and worship, a way to reach out and touch God and in a way in which He

reaches to me."

Mrs Van Deusen, a three-year resident, resides with her husband, Jeffrey, and

their 6-year-old son, Vitaly. She has been a member of Walnut Hill Community

Church since October.

She has exhibited paintings, murals and furniture in Connecticut, New York,

Vermont, Florida, Indiana and South Carolina. Several of her pieces are

currently on display at DiGrazia Vineyard in Brookfield.

The Roaring Lambs Visual Arts Ministry at Walnut Hill Community Church was

created out of a desire for Christian artists to meet, encourage each other,

and exhibit together in the marketplace.

Bob Briner's book Roaring Lambs was a catalyst for forming the group, and he

gave approval for using his book title in the group's name.

The artists officially meet once a month and have enjoyed encouraging new and

experienced artists to join them.

The Roaring Lambs artists are working toward developing a network of other

churches that are also establishing art groups and shows.

The art exhibit is part of the church's annual international missions

conference, "Global Outreach Celebration," that begins Sunday, April 25 and

continues through Sunday, May 2.