"A Quest for Excellence" is an art exhibition at the Ellen G. White Research Centre, of Northern Caribbean University. This is an appropriate way of commemorating the life and work of Ellen White.

Mrs. White books cover a wide range of subject matter, and artists can find inspiration in her work. Upon close observation one can say that Ellen White was herself an artist as her graphic descriptions and choice of words cause the "vicarious recreation" that allows one to experience the events of which she writes.

"The Wilderness," done by Gerald Wray sets the tone of this exhibition. This is a landscape painting depicting the abstract impressionistic style. It shows the wild, untamed, and solitary condition of the earth. No man, beast or rustics are seen. It is symbolic of the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve were thrown out to fend for themselves. It is also symbolic of the Dark Ages when man was living in spiritual darkness. In the Dark Age there were myths about the forest, and man feared exploring that solitary place. Ellen White's writings are a light in the dark forest, and we should conserve the landmarks, and never put out the guiding lights. My mother Geddes Haye Wray said, "the palest ink is better than the best memory."

Another painting by Wray, "The Burning Bush," typifies the call of Moses. Moses said that he was slow of speech, but God choose him to do a great work. Similarly, Ellen White felt that she was not equipped to perform the task she was called to do. However, God, the master artist, molded her into a vessel that bore the light that shines brightest in a dark world.

Next, "Deliverance," by Wray, graphically depicts the vision Ellen White described in her book "The Great Controversy." She said that God's people were in trouble, but she saw a little black cloud, less than the size of a man's hand. It was moving towards the earth juxtaposed against great radiance and glory. Behind that hand was Christ himself coming to deliver his people.

"Beside His Still Water" is another work by Wray, which is depicting the vast open landscape. There is also a stream that is refreshing: the setting is intended to have some therapeutic benefits. Persons can be rejuvenated as they vicariously wonder through its quietude. Jesus asked the disciples to go and rest from the busy city life. Likewise Ellen White advises that we should resort to small towns and villages that will provide a healthier life. I hope that these paintings will make the viewers more aware of the psychoanalytic concepts in art, and its influence in the contemporary history of culture.

Andrea Newman's painting, "Supernatural," reflects White's major influence on the church and the world at large. Newman painted an out-stretched hand holding the open Bible. This is reminding us about Mrs. White's last attendance at a General Conference Session. She held the Bible up before the congregation and said "I give you this book." This is symbolic of the source from which she drew her spiritual strength.

"Mount up with Wings" done by Lilieth Howson-Barnes, shows a landscape with an eagle soaring high in the sky. Isaiah assures us that "they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles." Upon close observation of the painting, the eagle becomes visually ambiguous. Its biomorphic quality is symbolic of God's hand helping us in times of need. We cannot see God's hand but we can see the results of his assistance. This is also complementary to Mrs. White's quote that says, "no one sees the hands that lift the burden."

The paintings exhibited by Patricia Haakmat are quite fitting for the occasion. She did a landscape painting called "Promises" that depicted the cross of Jesus. The path leading to the rainbow on the background is symbolic of Jesus' forgiveness while the rainbow typifies the promise to Noah and by extension to the world. The empty tomb represents the resurrection and the dead tree on the foreground signifies the promise of renewal.

"Meteoric Shower" is another of Haakmat's paintings. This is reflective of the event that took place on November 13, 1833, an even that was predicted in Matt. 24:29, Mark 13:24, and Rev. 6:13. This was the most spectacular meteoric shower recorded. It is said to have started at about 2:00 a.m. in a cloudless sky and continued until daybreak. This painting is a reminder of the imminence of the second coming of Jesus.

Clyde Thomas did a painting titled "Liberation" that is depicting the cross of Jesus. At the foot of the cross is a path that leads to a bright light, and footsteps are seen leading to the cross. The symbolism creates an awareness of the journey from sinfulness to sinlessness, from darkness to light, from hopelessness to hopefulness, and from chaos to order. The way of the cross leads home.

By: Gerald Wray, Fine Artist, NCU