The Holy Cross Gallery is pleased to feature Marie King and Vicki Van Vynckt through Jan. 12. The gallery, located at 150 Melrose Ave., is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and during services. All are welcome to stop by.

Marie King:

My first ever experience in painting was about ten years ago when I signed up for a five-day outdoor class with Bill Jameson in Saluda. I was terrified, and terrible, but learned not to be afraid of trying. Bill was a very gentle and encouraging teacher.  Since then I have continued to learn, hoping one day to be able to truly convey on my canvas my delights and wonders at this lovely “bit of earth” and my appreciation for those who live in it.

Vicki Van Vynckt:

Living in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with all its beauty and inspiration is a gift that any artist would appreciate. Vicki draws upon this inspiration for many of her paintings as well as creating images that are more dreamlike in nature. She has been painting for over 30 years and teaches oil painting lessons at Isothermal Community College and out of her home in Tryon.

She began painting at an early age and was encouraged to do so by her mother, who also was artistic. At Cottey College in Nevada, Mo., Vicki continued her artistic studies, then later went on to earn a degree in art from the University of Southern Indiana.

Additional courses in realistic drawing and plein air painting were taken through The Atelier in Minneapolis in the 1990s. It was there that Vicki met her most inspiring teacher, Ceceile Hartleib, whom she credits with teaching her more about painting than she ever learned in the university. They spent many years going out together painting en plein air.

She started a picture framing business in 1993 and was involved with framing for ten years. In 2000, Vicki began teaching oil painting lessons through community education. Eventually she moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she was involved with galleries for several years.

In 2010 she and her husband settled in the Carolinas where she enjoys not only the scenery and mountains, but the friendly people as well. She may be contacted at 828- 859-6758 for more information about her artwork or oil painting lessons.

– article submitted by Gregory Wright