Exhibitions:   Resurrection Appearances   |   Visions of Santa   |   Future Exhibits

RESURRECTION APPEARANCES

About the Works

Matthew 25:31-46

A series of twelve 24x18 meditative interpretations of post resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ are offered in the tradition of the stations of the Cross. A title painting and eleven appearances commonly cross-referenced by biblical scholars are painted as "stations" with three components: portrait, abstraction, and sculptural element.

Portrait:

The risen Christ is portrayed as anyone we might encounter in today's culture. The artist painted each portrait with the Gospel scripture in mind,

"Truly I tell you, just as you
did it to one of the least of these who are members
of my family, you did it to me."   (vs. 40b)

Abstraction:

An overall visual commentary is based on scripture references of the specific appearance. The horizontal glyph is a marking that refers to our spiritual journey.

Sculptural Element:

A small round seal refers to the sun as a resurrection symbol. Each is molded with a cruciform mark--the Cross being a "seal" on our own resurrection.

Created in 2003 as a thesis project for the Upper Room ® Two Year Academy for Spiritual Formation, this art is not for sale. It is available for study and exhibition by contacting the artist.

Previous Exhibitions::

• 2008 General Conference The United Methodist Church, "A Space for Prayer," Fort Worth, Texas
• National Spirituality Conference, San Antonio, Texas
• Oblate Renewal Center, San Antonio, Texas
• Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, San Antonio, Texas
• Texas Baptist Encampment, Palacios, Texas
• St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, San Antonio, Texas
• First United Methodist Church, Corpus Christi, Texas

VISIONS OF SANTA

WHAT Over 30 framed 24 x 18

WHEN One painted each year since 1974

WHO Billy L. Keen

WHERE Schertz, Texas, near San Antonio

HOW It started as an example of the “Old Masters style” of achieving
flesh tone. The season was Christmas, so the subject was Santa.
The first painting was hung in the bedroom of the artist’s first-
born son. The following year, the artist created a new image for
his second son. By the third year, it had become a tradition.

WHY At first, they were just fun to do. Now, creating them is a custom.
Each image evokes expressions of holiday remembrances. The
collection is enjoyed by young and old from all faith traditions.

KEEN SANTA EXHIBITIONS

Billy L. Keen “Visions of Santa” paintings have been seen on TV'S Texas Country Reporter and exhibited:

2008 To Be Announced
2007 Center for the Arts, Rockfort, Texas
2006 Schertz Civic Center, Schertz, Texas, Nov 24-Dec 26
2005 Christmas at Old Fort Concho, San Angelo, Texas
2003 Smithsonian Affiliate Museum of Art & Music, New Braunfels, Texas
2002 Smithsonian Affiliate Museum of Art & Music, New Braunfels, Texas
2001 SWTX Conference United Methodist Center, San Antonio
2000 Private Showing
1999 City Public Library, Schertz, Texas
1998 Wichita Falls Museum & Art Center, Wichita Falls, Texas
1996 San Antonio Art League and Museum
1995 The Bright Shawl Tea Room, Junior League Christmas Celebration, San Antonio
1994 First United Methodist Church, Seguin, Texas
1991 San Antonio Little Theater
1990 Windcrest United Methodist Church, San Antonio
1988 San Antonio Little Theater, San Antonio, Texas
1985 USAF Recruiting Service Holiday Celebration, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas
1984 Schertz United Methodist Church, Schertz, Texas

CURRENTLY REPRESENTED

Austin Street Gallery, Rockfort, Texas, www.austinstreetgallery.com

Valley House Gallery and Sculpture Garden, Dallas, www.valleyhouse.com

San Antonio Art League Museum Invitational, Nov 2-Dec 7, 2008 www.saalm.org