Beatitudes
August 15-September 28

Contact: Susan Hooks, White Stone Gallery, 215-482-7700, info@whitestonegallery.com

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- Cornelis Monsma, a popular oil painter residing in New Zealand, recently created a series with his distinct expressionist style, exploring the Beatitudes from Christ's "Sermon on the Mount". The exhibit will also include abstract stained glass from North Carolina's Vanessa Wright Hollifield. The Beatitudes, which Monsma and Hollifield have translated into colorful contemporary images, will make their debut at White Stone Gallery, located in the upscale Manayunk section of Philadelphia. The exhibit opens August 15, with a reception from 7 – 9 PM.

Cornelis Monsma is a biblically inspired expressionist oil painter. Over the past forty years, he has built a solid career with his vibrant use of color and unique design to express deep scriptural meaning and purpose. Monsma portrays scripture visually, which seems to capture the meaning of the verse and display it in a fresh perspective.

Friesian-Dutch born Cornelis Monsma is inspired by the paintings of Marc Chagall. Monsma says his work is "without a religious aftertaste." He says he "seeks to create modern Christian art work that aims to visualize the deeper truth of Christianity."

The Beatitudes theme was pioneered by Vanessa Wright Hollifield, a stained glass artist in North Carolina. Hollifield, who is currently on exhibit at a national museum in NYC, says, "My work is an expression of faith through art... Nothing says it better than the color, clarity and texture of glass.

"Monsma has fans coming from all over the East Coast to see this series." says Susan Hooks, who owns White Stone with her husband, Derek. "Monsma's work has a way of transcending the physical and connecting with the viewer at a deeper level. When his paintings exhibit some visitors are moved to tears... occasionally me too."

The Beatitudes exhibit ends September 28th. White Stone's upcoming solo exhibits include controversial artist, Edward Knippers; CIVA founding chairman, Sandra Bowden and National Council on the Arts member, Makoto Fujimura.

White Stone specializes in art inspired by the Bible from today's leading Christian artists. Derek Hooks says, "The gallery is a vehicle for notable Christian artists to express their faith. The gallery environment is a powerful tool in reaching the un-churched." Museums, colleges and churches throughout the country have displayed White Stone's exhibits. The gallery is located at 4219 Main Street. Hours are Wed - Sat 11-7, Sun 12-5. For more information, visit whitestonegallery.com, call 215.482.7700 or email info@whitestonegallery.com.