Originally hailing from Quincy, Massachusetts, I hold a B.F.A. in Painting and Art Education from the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston where I received recognition for outstanding achievement in painting. With the awarded funds, I embarked on an eighteen month journey beginning in London and then traveling across the UK and Europe. Along the way, I shared my passion for painting and drawing through workshops as well as immersing myself in the world of ballet in Rome. Later, I furthered my ballet dance studies in New York City with Alvin Ailey, the Joffrey Ballet, and Steps, and modern dance with Merce Cunningham. Concurrently I maintained a loft in the early Chelsea loft scene from 1980 to 1988 while bringing up my son.

Over two decades ago, my photographer husband, Mick Hales, and I relocated to the Hudson, NY area. On a photography trip to France in the early 1990's, I first encountered icons at a French convent. It was through this life changing experience that I realized that learning about and painting icons was a powerful way of integrating my Christian faith into my art work.

My artistic exploration delves into the creation of painting as a symbolic language, a pursuit that has evolved through extensive graduate studies in New Rochelle, resulting in my receiving an MS in Art Therapy. After that I have engaged in over six years of iconographic studies with esteemed Russian, English, and Greek iconographers. Then a trip to Russia in 2006, and the ongoing development of my faith and art practice encompassed both iconography and contemporary painting.

Later, undergoing ministry training with Global Awakening , a non denominational ministry in Mechanicsburg, PA. from 2008-2010, led to my licensing and ordination.

Presently, I conduct online iconography workshops thrice annually, and reside in Sarasota, Florida. I actively participate in group exhibitions in Sarasota and Bradenton, exhibiting both my icons and art work. I am the founder and main contributor for the American Association of Iconographers where I put out a monthly blog. My book about Icons and their influence on the development of modern art, "Eyes of Fire, How Icons Saved My Life As An Artist" is available on Amazon. Currently, I am represented by the Define Art Gallery on 68 South Palm Avenue in Sarasota.

I hope to employ the principles of Christian faith, patience, precision, and beauty that are characteristic of medieval iconography in honoring the legacy of medieval iconographers but also adding new dimensions to my own artistic expression, bridging the gap between the past and the present through the language of art. Bringing God to people through the narrative of painting and icons is my greatest honor and joy.

Website: https://www.newchristianicons.com
Contact: chales@halesart.com