Desvaldi Serigraph Gifted and Presented to North Branch Reformed Church
I am so deeply honored to have been provided the opportunity to gift a beautiful, limited-edition religious serigraph print depicting the Adoration of the Magi, by Italian contemporary artist Gabriela Desvaldi, to North Branch Reformed Church in my hometown of Bridgewater, New Jersey. I was more than glad to select and refurbish a vintage frame specially for this parish. It was especially wonderful for me to have been invited to join the worship service yesterday and then present the serigraph to the congregation. I and my mom—who has supported me throughout this initiative—were delighted to then mingle with various parishioners, including multiple acquaintances who we were pleasantly surprised to recognize from different areas of our community. Immediately afterward, the print was installed next to the door leading into the sanctuary, where churchgoers, clergy and visitors alike can appreciate its artistic quality and religious significance.
When I was generously gifted these prints—part of a limited edition of 500—last year, I was inspired to approach them with the same philosophy as I do my own work, believing that art is a gift to be shared and a way into the soul. Art, to me, empowers a connection with others on a common spiritual level. I gifted these serigraphs initially to a small group of family and friends. Soon, I was introduced to others who he thought might appreciate them. So many recipients expressed their immense gratitude, and may individuals who I knew well but had not seen in a while were excited simply to reconnect, even before considering the serigraph. Then they touched base to share their own stories and connections fostered by the artwork. I have also been thankful to donated framed serigraphs to various places of worship, religious institutions, hospitals and other community centers.
I would like to sincerely thank Courtney Battista—founder, owner and therapist at Mindful Life Therapy, LLC, and Sunday school teacher at NBRC—for connecting with me as a liaison after reading the article about the Desvaldi serigraphs published in the Bridgewater-Raritan BReeze, and for initiating talks about the gift with other church personnel. I extend my profound thanks to Dennis McGale—member of the NBRC and its consistory—for his thoughtful support of the arrangements to deliver and install the print.
These serigraphs by Desvaldi have undergone such an incredible journey, and North Branch Reformed Church—located no more than a few minutes from my home—became a proactive part of this ongoing story. It is quite amazing how just a small gesture of faith has made such a profound and positive impact on myself and others. None of us are too busy to offer a small act of kindness. The true gift is acknowledging people and connecting with them. Perhaps someone may even be inspired to take your example. Kindness is a gift that keeps on giving. 🖼️✝️🙏🏻
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