PHILADELPHIA – (Christian Newswire) Philadelphia’s White Stone Gallery, www.whitestonegallery.com , is hosting the inspirational exhibit, “Life of Christ,” during this Easter holiday season.

The exhibit opened March 7, featuring works by several of today’s national and international leading Christian artists, including two oil paintings by South Carolina’s Daniel Bonnell, three oil paintings and two contemporary bronze and steel sculptures by New York City’s Bernard

M. Deschler and a collection of silk embroideries by mainland China’s

He Qi.

Bonnell studied under great artists such as Ansel Adams, Milton Glaser and Ed Ross and was mentored by a French Catholic Benedictine Monk. But he says his greatest lessons came from living in Cameroon, Ghana and Kenya, living with the homeless in New York City and teaching special education students in the ghettos of Savannah, Ga.

Bonnell’s patrons span the spectrum from a heavy metal recording artist to an Anglican cathedral in Jerusalem to a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. His oil paintings have been described as “masterful, peaceful and uplifting.”

Deschler is an active sculptor and painter who speaks most eloquently of the anguish of the poor, needy and spiritual. Born in Paris, Deschler began his studies with George Klein, a disciple of the impressionist Maurice Utrillo, and devoted himself initially to drawing and painting.

After a visit to the stone quarries of Italy and exposure to the work of several influential contemporary sculptors, Deschler turned to sculpture as the preferred medium. Temporarily interrupted by WW II and the completion of his education in the arts and architecture, Deschler completed many ecclesiastical and commercial structures in which his sculptures are incorporated as part of the design and the building.

The most original and compelling aspects of Deschler’s work are the passionate mysterious motifs and symbols that intentionally recall the beginnings of humanity’s rise, fall and redemption.

According to Far Eastern Economic Review, “Dr. He Qi ranks as arguably China’s most internationally sought after contemporary Christian artist.” He Qi’s works blend together Chinese folk customs and traditional Chinese painting techniques with the western art of the Middle and Modern Ages.

Using his own paintings as the design, his silk embroideries are intricately created with hand-sewn silk thread on silk fabric.

The exhibit also includes other notable pieces, such as the first artist proof of Barbara Februar’s career defining “Passion,” the Sistine Chapel-inspired oil painting by award-winning artist Carol Bomer and sculpture by popular artist Clay Enoch.

The exhibit runs until April 27. White Stone’s hours are Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Private viewings and guided visits are also available.

Throughout the year, White Stone will continue to host inspirational solo and group exhibitions by notable artists of faith.

To view the artist bios and work currently on exhibit, to view other artists featured by the White Stone Gallery or for purchase information on fine art, go online to www.whitestonegallery.com or call White Stone Gallery during business hours at 215-482-7700.