Artist: Michelle Franzoni Thorley
Title: Let the Children Come
Medium: Original Oil on Canvas
Size: 60x48"
Artist Statement:
 
While working through this painting, I thought about what it actually takes to “let children come.” A way must be prepared before them. They cannot cross through the many barriers on their own. As followers of Christ, we must be actively engaged in preparing a way for them. Our time, money, laws and actions are necessary to prepare the way of peace and prosperity for all children of God.
This landscape imagery comes from my experiences as a missionary serving on the US and Mexico border. I also wanted to explore the imagery and contrast of the fishing net pattern of the keffiyeh with the barbed wire of the border wall.  The cactus is another contrast to the barbed wire. Both are sharp but only the cactus is alive and produces flowers and fruit. The natural world will always recognize the Creator and work to mark the path of the Savior.