Gladsome Light
A Fine Art Print
Named for the ancient hymn sung at the lamp-lighting of Vespers, Gladsome Light is a remembrance of our early days at Jacob’s Falls. During the Evening Service, candlelight flooded from the windows of the old, weather-beaten, one-room schoolhouse that served as our Chapel until 2003. In the failing light of Winter’s brief sunset, it casts a gentle glow on soft drifts of new fallen snow and braves the gathering darkness of the long, cold night. The scene speaks not only of the stark natural beauty we find in the desert solitude that Winter affords us, but also of the sheltering warmth of community life and the serenity of prayer to be found within.
Driving past the monastery one Winter evening, artist Collin Gifford was moved by the sight before him. After some time spent in silent prayer, he resolved to capture the scene on canvas and present it to us as a gift. It was his hope that it could in some way help to raise funds for our building campaign.
Much beloved by the Slavic peoples, the image of the Blessed Virgin spreading her veil recalls the motherly protection she extends to those who call upon her in times of danger.
With deep gratitude for his talent and generosity, we now make this beautiful work available to you in a strictly limited edition of six hundred fifty signed and numbered fine art prints, each accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. The entire proceeds from the sale of this first issue of collector’s art by Poorrock Abbey Publishing will be devoted to the building of our monastery, Holy Transfiguration Skete.
As a monastery dedicated to the upbuilding of God’s Kingdom through the arts, we are pleased to offer this splendid print as Poorrock Abbey Publishing’s first issue of inspirational art. We are certain you will be pleased to give it as a gift or to have it grace your home or office.
There is always a certain degree of excitement in undertaking a new venture, particularly when it is totally different in nature than anything done previously. We did not expect to find ourselves in the business of publishing fine art prints, yet it certainly seems right, and in keeping with our particular apostolate of building up the kingdom of God through the arts. We sincerely believe this opportunity provided by the generosity of a fine artist to be a sign of the Lord’s direction and we are certain that, whatever the financial perils of this new work, the Lord will make it grow and prosper according to His design.
We have reserved the first one hundred fifty-three of these magnificent prints as a special premium for major contributors to our building fund. Triple matted, richly framed, and protected by ultra-violet resistant conservation glass, these special prints have been signed by the monastery’s founders, as well as by the artist. Each also bears a remarque by the artist and is graced with an icon of the Mother of God etched into its conservation glass.
The remarque takes us into our own particular monastic desert as we contemplate the great frozen expanse of Lake Superior in the winter.
This outstandingly beautiful piece of art, valued at five hundred dollars, is available only to those who contribute one thousand dollars or more toward the building of this monastery.
Its serene beauty will pervade the surroundings in which it is hung and will provide many years of enjoyment to those who own it. Being one of only one hundred fifty-three chosen for this special framing and artist’s remarque, it is bound to increase in value over the years. More importantly, it represents a special degree of help in the establishment of this monastery and will serve as a constant reminder of the generosity that makes it all possible.
Fr. Nicholas and Fr. Basil, founders of our monastic community, affix their signatures to one of the first one hundred and fifty-three prints.
It comes with our blessings and with the fervent wish that it may convey something of the prayerfulness and peace we find in our life at Jacob’s Falls.
The remaining four hundred ninety-seven prints are offered for sale - double matted, framed and signed by the artist and the founders - at a cost of $425.00, or at $125.00 for the unmounted print signed by the artist alone.
All prints, regardless of category, are individually numbered and come with a certificate attesting to their authenticity.
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Gladsome Light Prints are located in the Special Offerings Section.