Exclusive Chuck Colson Portrait Unveiled
Gala celebrating the 75th birthday of Chuck Colson and 30th anniversary of Prison Fellowship featured the unveiling of American artist Timothy J. Chambers' portrait of the former President Nixon aide and Prison Fellowship founder.

/Virginia News Articles/ - PHILOMONT, VA, October 28, 2006 - Philomont, Virginia artist Timothy Chambers (timothychambers.com) unveiled his much-anticipated portrait of Chuck Colson Thursday, October19th in Lansdowne at the world headquarters of Prison Fellowship. Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship and former advisor to President Nixon, was moved by the portrait, stating that although he has previously resisted having a portrait done, he was very pleased with the result of Mr. Chambers' portrait. The portrait departs from typical portrait compositions- the dark suit, desk, with a library setting- instead showing Colson outdoors reading without a jacket, relaxed yet distinguished. Many in attendance remarked how "warm and full of personality" the portrait is, saying that Mr. Chambers amazingly captured Mr. Colson, and appreciated his forgoing the "dark and serious" look common to corporate portraits for the colorful and approachable feel of Mr. Colson's painting.

The unveiling set off the event celebrating Chuck Colson's 75th birthday and Prison Fellowship's 30th anniversary. . Over 250 people attended the invitation-only dinner celebration to honor the service of Mr. Colson, whose Prison Fellowship ministry reaches out to more than 112 countries to prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families in service to Jesus Christ with a desire to restore peace to our communities endangered by crime. Attendees included politicians such as former Attorney General and State Senator of Virginia Mark Earley, who is also the current President and CEO of Prison Fellowship, former professional football player Senator Jack Kemp, former Governor of Minnesota, the Honorable Albert H. Quie, 5 time Grammy award winning music artist, Steven Curtis Chapman, and video appearances from President Bush to Franklin Graham, among others. Life-long friends shared inspiring stories from knowing and serving with Mr. Colson, some laced with humor that had the audience bent over in laughter.

Chambers is the first and only artist granted the honor of portraying Mr. Colson, who has refrained invitations previous. "Chuck has always resisted any attention to himself, seeking to direct attention to those he serves, and to Jesus Christ," says Alan Terwilliger, Sr. Vice-President, Ministry Relations and Wilberforce Forum at Prison Fellowship. As Tim recalls, "Chuck was approachable from the start. Any fears or intimidation of this 'counselor to kings' were immediately put to rest by his humble and kind demeanor. Far from his reputation as Nixon's 'hatchet man,' Chuck truly is a servant first and foremost, yet he is a man steeped in wisdom and knowledge. Our conversations during the sittings were candid and insightful, and each time I came away with a greater respect for the man and his vision, and personally inspired to examine my own life to see what I could offer to God in service." Tim attributes this time spent with Mr. Colson to the vitality and success of the portrait.

The ministry of Prison Fellowship has left an impression on Tim as well, as he is seeking opportunities to lead painting workshops to those in prison. More information on Prison Fellowship can be found at www.prisonfellowship.org.

Chambers is known primarily for his portraits, and few others can execute an outdoor portrait as he can. Viewers often comment that the subjects in his portraits look "ready to walk right off the canvas." His portrait of Chuck Colson portrays him as approachable rather than giving an air of superiority, despite Mr. Colson's remarkable achievements and impact in the world. "I knew right from the start that only such a composition would suit Mr. Colson," says Chambers.

Growing up amidst the aroma of turpentine, gesso, and oil paints, Tim began painting at a young age, learning from his father, William T. Chambers. He also studied with others across the U.S., influenced by American Impressionist Henry Hensche of New England and Cedric Egeli of Annapolis, MD. His portraits and landscapes hang in collections across the country, and have fared well in competitions. More information can be found at his website (www.timothychambers.com) or by calling his studio at 800-680-0958.

Press Release Contact Information:

Timothy Chambers
Chambers Studio
Owner
P.O. Box 428
Philomont, VA
United States 20131
Voice: 540-338-8332
Website: Visit Our Website