Spectra Art

A WINTER'S NIGHT DELIGHT

Rita Wiley​ | $75.00

Oil over Acrylic on Canvas

The inspiration for this painting came from the Book of Esther. I’ve read and heard this story many times but what stood out to me this time was how the Jews reacted after God gave them such great deliverance. They didn’t just go on with their lives. They paused their lives to deliberately celebrate God’s great deliverance. They call the celebration Purim and observe it to this day.

This struck me as something very important. Take time to acknowledge God’s goodness. I need to remember that. I am reminded also of several scriptures describing nature rejoicing before God. Consider Isaiah 55:12. Now, let me do the same.

For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12

COMING DELIVERER

Chris Gross​ | Not for sale

Original Colored Pencil

The story of Daniel and the Lion’s den captivated me as a child. I visualized a steadfast Daniel, in a den of oversized kittens. Hardly reality in my mind today. I still imagine Daniel in this situation. From the biblical text, I see how hungry the Lions were and how unforgiving the law and administration were to Daniel for following God.

Yet, Daniel stays true. I do believe he was afraid as he stood at the mouth of the den. His circumstance was terminal and dark.  In the darkness of the den, as God‘s angel shut the mouths of the lions, did Daniel see the face of the Lion From the tribe of Judah? Emerging from the darkness, did he see Jesus? Did Daniel see Jesus in the form of an untamed, powerful and dangerous lion that gave Daniel the steadfastness he needed to remain faithful? 

Like Daniel, we face lion’s dens in our lives. In Daniel 6:11 Daniel was on his knees giving thanks to God and asking Him for help. The example Daniel set for us is available to us now. We can trust Jesus in our lion's den because he is there with us.

FAITHFUL PRAYER

Evan Crawford​ | Not for sale

Original Poetry

This poem speaks of Daniel’s loyal intercession and God’s powerful answers written throughout the book. I am inspired to pray with the same passion for our city and people and be faithful to my times of listening and interceding prayer.

HIDDEN OBEDIENCE

Evan Crawford​ | Not for sale

Original Poetry

In March of 2022, I was in Israel during Purim, a holiday celebrating the Jews’ deliverance from destruction, which began in Esther, chapter 9. All the children were out of school, dressed up in fancy costumes, like a parade of little kings and queens having a party with food and gifts in the courtyards of Jerusalem’s Jewish quarter. I wondered “Do they understand the gravity of this holiday, its significance? So many irrationals have tried to snuff out this chosen people.” In Esther, a beautiful, reluctant Queen in a foreign land, obeyed an unseen God and what was meant for evil, He divinely shifted for good. And I, a royal daughter, am also called to daily obey and trust His sovereignty in a world that is not my home.

MODERN DAY ESTHER

Frances Okubo​ | $100.00

Watercolor

Persecuted believers continue to be executed and tortured for their faith. We in the West are largely unaware of this ongoing religious plight, except for headlines or if we deliberately seek out reliable news outlets reporting from the frontlines and mission fields. If I ever become imprisoned for my faith, who would I want to be my ADVOCATE?

Queen Esther, a covert Jew, was a singular beauty that gained her entrance into Persian court and became a wife of King Xerxes. Persia today is modern-day Iran.  The context of the book of Esther is such a far-removed culture and time period. I wanted to link the past to the present. I thought of a young woman, Nagmeh Panahi, who is the only one I know who is Iranian. When I met her a few years ago she was advocating for her husband’s release from an Iran prison for preaching the gospel. She now continues to be a voice and advocate for the voiceless persecuted church, specifically the vulnerable women and children of abuse. 

I thought to myself what a great advocate Nagmeh is for the persecuted much like the Persian Queen Esther was for the persecuted Jews--God had her there at the right place and the right time (Esther 4:14b); to preserve His people. Life is messy and serving God can be messy, complex and downright dangerous. I am thankful for contemporary believers like Nagmeh who continue to be brave and rely on God and intervene on behalf of the helpless.

This is a tribute to Nagmeh’s effort as God’s emissary and the gospel in action. 

THE COMING DELIVERER

Liz Cox | Not for sale

Acrylic, Mixed Media and Collage

When considering the passage of Daniel 9:20-27, I envisioned the image of Gabriel in the foreground on the left edge of the painting, pointing to the “Anointed One, the ruler” who comes, seen in the distance, on the right. There are no descriptions recorded in the passage of the physical appearance of Gabriel or the Anointed One, so these images are my interpretations for this particular painting.

Revelation 19 tells us that the rider of a white horse is called Faithful and True and his name is the Word of God. 19:16 says “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” I have included this in the image of the Anointed One.

I chose to use collage in addition to paint, acrylic ink, graphite, and water-soluble pencils, creating a semi-abstract composition. There is the suggestion of physical characteristics and of motion. 

THE HYMNAL ADVANTAGE

Larry Perkin | $100.00

Original Watercolor

The book of Esther is filled with intrigue, chaos, backstabbing and the possible elimination of the Jewish people. It is amazing how relevant this is to what we are going through right now in America.

The painting shows old fashioned pews and hymnals which is part of my foundation as a Christian. So whenever life and the world feel out of control, I go back to the basics when life was simple and look for guidance and comfort from our Heavenly Father…just as Esther did.

ALPHA AND OMEGA

Michelle Jordan​ | Not for sale

Original Mixed Media

For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

This is my depiction of seasons in our lives used for God's purposes. Kings will rise and fall and people will be put into noble positions, like Esther, according to His plans. We will at times receive wisdom and knowledge coming from God because He knows what's in the dark places. The light dwells with Him and in Him there is no darkness.

Praise be to the name of God forever and ever!

Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. Daniel 2:20-22

COURAGEOUS

Scott Fowler | $450.00

Original Acrylic

“All the king’s officials and even the people in the provinces know that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless the king holds out his gold scepter. And the king has not called for me to come to him for thirty days…Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” Esther 4:11,15-16

This passage of scripture speaks about the power God uses in everyday lives. Esther’s example shows me patience, reliance on God, and the courage to continue no matter the consequences. Lately, in my own life, I have wrestled with overcoming my own fears. Fears of being left alone, fears of loved ones dying, or fears of just stepping out and doing something that makes me uncomfortable. Trusting in how the Lord feels about me personally gives me the courage to do things that I never would have thought possible. This painting reminds me of the kind of radical courage that I can have when I trust in the Lord.

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

Stacy Spangler | Not for sale

Original Mixed Media on Canvas; Esther 4:12-17

Esther was given information from Mordecai that the Jewish people were going to be killed, and their only hope was for her to go to the king and share the information she had, but doing so would put her own life at risk. Esther was in a position to make a difference since she was in the running to become queen. Since Esther was also Jewish, if she did not help, she would surely perish. God used Esther, in all her wisdom and bravery, not only to expose an evil plan and deceptive people, but to save the Jewish people, preserve the line of David, as well as her own life. 

In today's culture, God’s truth is under attack, and like Esther, we face persecution when we stand firm and rise up to speak truth to those around us. Speaking truth may result in being excluded from social groups, loss of friendships or other close relationships, and being labeled as an extremist, Bible beater, or conspiracy theorist. Esther could have kept quiet, continued her pampered lifestyle as queen, ignoring the impending disaster, and prayed someone else would take action or that God would intervene and save her and her people. 

Do we live this way, using “don’t rock the boat” as our motto? Esther knew and trusted her God. She had wise counsel, and believed in the power of prayer. She stepped out boldly in faith, risking all her luxuries and position, to save a nation. In Genesis 2:18, God says women are created as “helper”. The Hebrew word used for helper is “Ezer Kenegdo” and is often used in a military sense, a strong warrior complimentary to man. Esther was a helper to a nation, fighting behind the scenes for her God. As women, we need to follow Esther’s brave lead to “fight” wisely, know God, His Word, fast, pray, and use our gentle nature to speak Truth into the lives of others. Like Esther, we too are called by God to fight in a spiritual battle for a “time such as this.”

SAFETY

Rachel Borntrager ​ | Not for sale

Original Acrylic

What was Esther feeling just moments before she met King Xerxes? We’re not given much information in Scripture about how Esther feels but art history has given us wildly different speculations— from complete calmness to fainting spells. I imagine her walking through the palace garden, full of both angst and peace. She is afraid and she knows her faithful God. She is steady and she could faint.

I love this moment in her story because I think it’s a moment that most of us have experienced at one point or another; we have absolutely no idea what’s about to happen or how we will make it out on the other side, but there is one thing Esther knew and we know, too: safety belongs to the Lord, and what He allows, He will see us through. 

A JOYFUL TREE

Rita Wiley​ | Not for sale

Oil over Acrylic on Canvas

The inspiration for this painting came from the Book of Esther. I’ve read and heard this story many times but what stood out to me this time was how the Jews reacted after God gave them such great deliverance. They didn’t just go on with their lives. They paused their lives to deliberately celebrate God’s great deliverance. They call the celebration Purim and observe it to this day. 

This struck me as something very important. Take time to acknowledge God’s goodness. I need to remember that. I am reminded also of several scriptures describing nature rejoicing before God. Consider Isaiah 55:12.  Now, let me do the same. 

For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12

CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE

Laurie Anderson | Not for sale

Original Photography

CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE

  Preparations for celebration 

Baking and sharing bread 

Offering hospitality 

A time for rejoicing 

The gathering of friends and family 

Connecting with our community 

Remembering the lost, the poor and forgotten 

Christmas time and the Christ Child 

Anticipation of His arrival

Merry wishes spoken even to strangers 

Throughout the world, bread has always been a part of the feast for celebration. I have been given the gift of artisan baking and my art is how I score that bread. This image represents both anticipation of the celebration and the remembrance of the important event - Christmas. No matter your culture or background, bread is on everyone's table for their celebration feast. And I am honored to be able to share my gift of bread with friends, family and my community. 

In seeking wisdom in how to serve God and others with this gift he has given me, it’s been an overwhelming experience to see how that journey is unfolding. On several occasions, I have questioned God’s choosing me for this path. 

But I am reminded time and again in the Scriptures, that God equips those unlikely people he has chosen to further his Kingdom. When doubt and fear are transformed into trust and bravery, it’s cause for celebration. I am blessed with the privilege of seeing the fruit and how that fruit can bless others. In big ways and in small ways, I have many reasons to celebrate and to remember every day, not just on Christmas.   

...because on those days the Jews rid themselves of their enemies, and it was a month which was turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and rejoicing and sending portions of food to one another and gifts to the poor.  Esther 9:22

FAITHFUL

Kristina Snow | $500.00

Mixed Media

God is faithful to bring us out of the chaos we may face in life.  

I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. “For He is the living God and he endures forever; His kingdom will not be destroyed, His dominion will never end.  Daniel 6:26 NIV

He rescues and He saves; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.  Daniel 6:27 NIV

FLORENTINE LION

Lorinda Gray​ | $75.00

Original Photography

This photo was taken in Florence, Italy when I visited there 20 years ago. As we traveled Italy, lions were usually shown as being fierce and deadly. I wondered why that was so and someone explained that lions were portrayed as dangerous because they were used to kill Christians in the arenas. 

So, I was surprised to find this statue of a peaceful lion in the window of a shop. I would like to think it was more like the lions that were in the lion’s den with Daniel. An angel shut the mouths of the lions and Daniel was spared any injury or death.

My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.             Daniel 6:22-23

HIDDEN

Rachel Borntrager ​ | $150.00

Ink and Charcoal

During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.” Daniel 2:19-23

In my painting “Hidden” I hoped to capture the intensity of what Daniel says belongs to God: everything. From the lightness to the darkness; all things are His and His to give away. And while to us most of life is hidden and dark (out of our control and beyond our understanding), He still has all knowledge and power over it—- and chooses to reveal hidden things according to His plan and purpose to the people He chooses in His time.

THE CHOICE

Kathleen Woolsey | Not for sale

Original Oil

This painting illustrates choices that both Esther and Daniel faced. Although not related to one another, they were each raised and taught as God's chosen people during their generation­­­. As young adults, both were taken out of the homes they had known and loved and forced to live among people without moral boundaries. They kept their Jewish identity and continued to quietly practice their beliefs. Yet without the support of home and family, they had to make choices throughout their lives, including faith decisions. Do they continue believing as they were taught?  Do they continue following their one true God amidst a culture of many idols?

A time came when Jews were forced to recant or be executed; their heresy in the culture would no longer be tolerated. Would these young people stand up and continue following their God or would they choose to turn away and survive? ­­­When given choices in the culture we live in, will you, like Esther and Daniel stand strong in your faith?