About A.C.ART

MISSION STATEMENT

Anderson Christian Art:

* exists as the entity for the creative visual and written works of

Kathleen Anderson

* exists to create a purpose for the body of work done in her lifetime

* exists to see the purpose become a cause, which is to increase positive support for all involved with child care ~ parents, teachers, society ~ with the purpose of reducing child abuse

Education

2009: Entered master's degree program in pastoral ministry through the Diocese of Fresno in association with Holy Names University in Oakland, California

2008: BA in fine arts at California State University Fresno

2005: Associate of Science degree in child development at Fresno Community College

1988: From university library books I learned the technique of Icon writing

1985: Began extensive research in global contemporary and historical Christian art and symbolism; ongoing study.

Grants, Awards, and Honors

2006-7: CSUF Arts Grant

1993: Honorable Mention in Modern Liturgy magazine Annual Liturgical Art competition

1989: Papal Medal

Solo Exhibitions

2006: Open Studio Exhibit

2004-5: Show of Works at Gillis and Cedar Clinton Library Branches

1996: Retreat exhibit, San Juan Bautista, California

1991: Solo Exhibit, Paul VI Institute of the Arts, Washington, D.C.

Group Exhibitions ~ Highlights

2007: Senior Art Exhibit CSUF Conley Art Gallery

2006: Display during the Diocese of Fresno Office of Ministries Congress

1992-5: Continual exhibiting with other artists at Anderson Christian Art Gallery, San Luis Obispo, California

1993: National Christian Fine Arts Exhibition, Farmington, New Mexico

1989: Gloria Dei Art Festival, Camarillo, California

1987: Religious Arts Festival, Sacramento; Mission San Luis Obispo Art Show (1985 also)

Media Publicity and Interviews

2005: Interview for KNXT, Diocese of Fresno television station, broadcast internationally

1993: Modern Liturgy (now Ministry and Liturgy) magazine

1992: Telegram Tribune, San Luis Obispo; The Observer, Diocese of Monterey

1991: Catholic Standard, Archdiocese of Washington, DC

1989: Telegram Tribune, San Luis Obispo

Public Commissions ~ Highlights

St Anthony of Padua Church, Fresno; St Anne Byzantine Catholic Church, SLO; Old Mission Church, SLO; Holy Spirit Church, Fresno; Aviano AFB chapel, Italy; City of San Luis Obispo, California; St Timothy Church, Morro Bay; Sacred Heart Church, Fresno; Chapel for Atascadero State Hospital; St Joseph Cathedral, San Jose; Newman Center Chapel at Cal Poly, SLO; St Louis de Montfort Church, Santa Maria

Private Collectors and Patrons ~ HighlightsMarian Library, University of Dayton; Paul VI Institute of the Arts, Washington, DC; Archives of Modern Christian Art, USF; Monastery of the Risen Christ, SLO; Rev Edmund Idranyi; Rev Jim Nisbet; Msgr Joseph Hercek; Drs William and Araceli Carnazzo; Val Dorney; Dr and Anne Kipps; Col And Winnie Boyce; Gail Johnson; Bill and Joan Anderson; Rev Mr David Leach; Msgr Michael de Tecchia Ferina; Jay and Joyce Dickey; Pam Ramsey; Jim Brabeck; Pete and Kathleen Fisher; Mary Christenson; Timothy Whitelaw; Joan and Danny Jones; Ron Escarzaga; Debbie Allen

A. C. ART

1303 E Harvard

Fresno, California USA

559.224.7590 (message)
kmakathleen@sbcglobal.net

Evolution of Anderson Christian Art

From early in life I was always interested in reading and drawing. I began to create custom wedding dresses in 1984. Anderson Christian Art began in 1985 when a priest asked me to create appliqué art banners and vestments for his chapel. A.C.Art is the business umbrella for art commissions, selling of my art originals and reproductions, plus various self-published pamphlets and booklets.

The mission of my calling evolved as I awakened to how God created the little ones and to what it takes for all children to have the best possible beginning in life. The scope of A.C.Art expanded to include projects which contribute to raising social awareness in the area of holy child development.

Anderson Christian Art operates non-profit, donates a portion of revenues to help children in need and will evolve to a legal non-profit corporation.

One project to increase highest good for children is Hi! I’m Your New Baby!, a 32-page booklet written in the voice of a newborn, speaking to new parents about the most crucial interactive needs of the infant. Another project is explained in a pamphlet called Holy Child 0-5 Ministry. The concept uses Holy Scripture in an age-appropriate way to encourage early love for God and holy relationship between parents and their children. I seek a publisher for mass distribution for both. I also seek a publisher for a non-fiction book which compiles lessons learned and recorded through journaling since 1983.

Artist Objectives

New challenges in the mid-'80's led me to discover that acrylic painting on fabric appliqué resulted in unique appeal. In the late 1980’s I began to paint on wood in the style of Orthodox Iconography. By the mid-1990’s I began to paint on stretched canvas. My work with children from 2000 to 2005 reintroduced me to the value in creating works using collage, clay, and paper maché.

When I am commissioned to do a particular image, I work out sketches with various perspectives and invite the client to be involved in the creative decisions.

Acrylic on wood with gold leaf is my preferred icon painting medium. With fabric appliqué art I use acrylic paint details on satins and metallic fabrics, some with iridescent sheen: light reflective properties work well for the content.

The art curriculum at CSUF presented opportunities to explore ceramic, wax and bronze sculpture. Many future works will include the technique of sculpture.

Some of my works are used in church worship. I hope to present a new glimpse into aspects of God, the Original Creator. Traditional religious imagery is appropriated as a visual reference.

The liturgical arts are meant to teach Christian concepts. The best I can offer is to express the glories of relationship with the Creator of the Universe. I appreciate when people to look at my work and say “Wow!” and to be inspired towards deeper joy of spirit. I aim for the finished image / text to bring uplifting experience to viewers / readers.

Sources of Inspiration

I am inspired by the best of historic and contemporary iconographers in the Orthodox tradition. The internet is a wealth of holy images; www.IconsExplained.com lists my work plus that of many other iconographers from around the globe.

Photographic images of nature near and far are vastly available in this time, and these have a strong inspiring effect on my imagination. I appropriate from all that uplifts my spirit, and work this inspiration into each piece of art. In art history studies many artists’ works give me sparks of new ideas.

I am dedicated to the Bible and to the Church, and am daily inspired by these. The Bible is a book full of visual language. I receive many inspirations through Bible study, church liturgy and a life filled with many ways to pray. The Bible is full of visual descriptions, and inspires me tremendously in my relationship with the Creator of the Universe and is expressed in my works.

Current Works

I have a growing body of original works and a portfolio in continual progression, many of which are reproducible as framable prints and art cards. Works available: art commissions in Byzantine Iconography (traditional or contemporary), original paintings, sculptures and fabric appliqué art; plus art print reproductions and art cards.

A.C.ART accepts donations for the

work being done. Thank you for

your consideration!