About the Artist: Kristen Thornton-Pham attended Central Michigan University and graduated from Ferris State University with a B.S. in Health Information Administration. While attending college, she also took art courses, including drawing and design at both universities. While living in Texas, she continued taking art courses. Kristen is a Michigan native, currently residing in Grand Rapids. Art Education: Mary Knappe, pastel class, Round Rock, TX; 1998 Wilson School of Art, Temple, TX, 1996-1999 Jim Markel, PSA, pastel classes, in Lowell, MI, 2006, 2007 Competition/Shows: Cascade Library One Person Show, Feb. - April 2014 Bishop Hills One Person Show, July 2013 ArtPrize, Huntington Bank, 2011, 2012 ArtPrize: Van Hoets shoes, 2010 Faces of Christ Show, Civic Theater, 2010 Celebration of the Arts, 1st. Methodist Church, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2014 ArtPrize: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 2009 One person show, One Trick Pony, 2009 West Michigan Regional Art Competition, Muskegon, 2009 Grand Valley Artists, Inc. Competition, Fountain Street Church, 2009 Grand Valley Artist, Inc. show at Hope Reformed Church, 2009 Organizations: Kristen is an active member of the Grand Valley Artists, Inc. and the (now former) Grand Rapids Christians in Visual Arts group (CIVA). She is also the Visual Arts Coordinator at Christ Lutheran Church. Artist Statement: Her goal in art is “to remind us of the beauty that is in this world and the magnificence of God’s creations”.