Heidi Christensen is a visual artist currently at work in Washington DC.  Originally from Boston, she came to this area to obtain a degree in theology at Virginia Theological Seminary and to spend a year as artist-in-residence at the Henry Luce III Center for Art and Religion at Wesley Theological Seminary. In her words, "As a working artist, I left Boston in 2004 to further a journey I had discerned as a merging of my vocation as an artist with a growing call to ministry in the church.  I hope to continue to create works of art as heightened contemplation of the natural world and to find additional forums in which to explore the material and creative as transformative experiences within communities of faith." This exhibition features her series of intimate, carefully observed studies of irises, sunflowers, various vegetables, and sea shells.


Stephen Estrada began his art career in Boston, MA.  He later attended the Corcoran School of Art and Design in Washington, DC.  In 1987, Estrada began working as an exhibition designer at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American Art Renwick Gallery. There he studied the work of nineteenth century American painters Albert Pinkham Ryder and Abbott Handerson Thayer. These artists and the work of contemporary painters such as Bill Jensen provide a catalyst for themes of nature and expressionisms in his art. Steve's most recent work explores the wood warblers -- small, north American migratory songbirds.    

Through observation and celebration, this exhibition honors the spirit of Trever Bennet, whose watercolors of the West depicted a land that she observed as carefully as Christensen and Estrada observe their subjects.  As the flowers grow out of the land, and the birds fly above it, both are held in relationship to one another and to the rest of God's good creation.

Deborah Sokolove
Director, Henry Luce III Center for the Arts and Religion