How the Artist was Discovered!

There are big, spirit-filled things bubbling at St. Martin’s, one of which is the mural  to be painted on the parking lot side of the building.

Let me start from the beginning in May, 2025.  Our weekly staff meeting had ended and I was walking back to my office when Josh called out to me, “I need you to research some Charlotte muralists.”  There was not much more explanation other other than, “I think we should have an icon of a nonwhite Jesus on the side of the church facing the parking lot.” 

I got to googling, discovered four artists whose work was impressive, perused their websites, and proceeded to email each of them.  One artist, Matt Willey, stood out.  Check out his website, thegoodofthehive.com.  As you can see and read, he’s not just about executing beautiful local, national, and international murals.  His mission is to generate curiosity, connection, and change (all things we desperately need) in the world by painting honey bees.  His goal, basically, is to make the world a better place.

In addition to his unique perspective, Matt has a heartfelt understanding of icons.  He shared with me the story of his artist friend, DeVon Cunningham, who painted a controversial black Christ on the ceiling of Detroit’s St. Cecelia’s church in 1968, a tumultuous time of racial injustice, violence and discord. Before DeVon’s death in 2023, he and Matt had dreamed of painting an icon together somewhere, someday.  It never came to fruition.

Through our emails, phone conversations, and in-person visits, I quickly got the sense that for Matt, as for us, the purpose of painting an icon of Christ the Good Shepherd, surrounded by honey bees, would be much bigger than the finished product.  The mural will be beautiful.  It will be a visual statement of who we are as a church community: individuals who work together to improve the lives of others, take care of God’s creation and creatures, and, most of all, believe in the fulfillment of the teachings of Christ, the Good Shepherd.  It will serve as a balm for all amidst the current world climate.  

In my first email to Matt I stated, “I am not sure where this could go, but am rather fascinated with the possibilities”.   It still holds true.  There are knowns and unknowns but we have an exciting journey ahead, full of faith, being with one another, and a multitude of  fascinating possibilities.

Lillian Richards

Director of Creative Engagement