Introducing Belóved Gallery
Press and Media
In 2003, an eight-year-old who had never gone to church or read a bible, painted a portrait of Jesus that became world-famous, then suddenly went missing for twenty years. Miraculously recovered and now hanging in a small Texas town, Prince of Peace is still the most recognized portrait of Jesus in the world. Within just a few short months, over 10,000 people from 15 different countries have journeyed to Belóved Gallery in Marble Falls, Texas, to take their moment with the painting.
Founded to amplify the work of extraordinary artists, Belóved Gallery’s mission is for people of all backgrounds to experience faith through art. Our premier exhibition, Akiane: The Early Years, is thoughtfully curated to tell the miraculous story of Akiane and her Prince of Peace painting through art, poetry, and film, providing a space for reflection, response, and connection.
Showcasing 13 of Akiane’s original childhood paintings, Akiane: The Early Years allows in-person viewings of Prince of Peace for the first time since its creation. Among the collection are works such as Dreams and The Missing Years, also re-imagined from Akiane’s visions of heaven, and Turquoise Eyes, Akiane’s eleven-year-old self-portrait. The paintings are accompanied by the artist’s poems, descriptions, and deep reflections. Akiane: A Portrait of the Artist, the exhibition’s exclusive short film, follows Akiane’s journey through poverty, childhood fame, and tragic loss to becoming the master artist she is today.
Two masterpieces in the collection, Prince of Peace and Father Forgive Them, are recognized world-wide.
In The News
- Gallery in Marble Falls to display Prince of Peace, The Highlander (February 20, 2023)
- Belóved Café & Belóved Gallery – Inspiring human hearts to flourish, The Highlander (April 4, 2023)
- Belóved Gallery highlights early work of Akiane Kramarik, 101 Highland Lakes (April 4, 2023)
- Masterful painting of Jesus by 8-year-old rescued from the shadows, Newsner (May 25, 2023)
- Check Out Donna Wilcox’s Story, Voyage Austin (October 27, 2023)
- Beloved Gallery and Cafe in Marble Falls, Fox 7 Austin (December 5, 2023)
- The story behind Prince of Peace and why its on display in Marble Falls, The Daily Trib (January 4, 2024)
- Prince of Peace' star of Belóved Gallery, The Highlander (January 16, 2024)
- New Biz: Belóved serves coffee and fine art in Marble Falls, The Daily Trib (February 9, 2024)
- Meet Donna Wilcox, Canvas Rebel (May 6, 2024)
- Paintings Defy Earthly Explanations, Epoch Times (August 29, 2024)
Media Queries
Please address all media inquiries to:
Donna Wilcox, CEO
Belóved Gallery
206 Avenue Suite 101
Marble Falls, Texas 78654
dwilcox@belovedgallery.org
512-914-8479
Jeanlu Kramarik, Managing Director
Akiane Gallery
prints@akiane.com
Team Belóved
Belóved Gallery extends an invitation to interview the following team members:
LEWIS AND KIRSTEN CIRNE, CO-FOUNDERS
A seed for Belóved Gallery was planted when its co-founders, Lewis and Kirsten, acquired Akiane Kramarik’s world-renown painting, Prince of Peace. Captivated by the supernatural account surrounding its creation and astounded by the hope the painting inspires, they knew Prince of Peace was meant to be shared with the world. They dreamed about creating a space where a million people could have their own experience with the painting, thus amplifying Akiane’s message of unwavering faith, unconditional love and eternal life. They chose Marble Falls, Texas, to give the painting a destination of its own.
DONNA WILCOX, CEO
Donna Holland Wilcox has over 30 years of experience in business development, marketing, operations, and business management in both the public and private sectors, with an extensive network of business, government, and academic leaders throughout the State of Texas and around the world. Since 2019, Wilcox has served as manager and director of a large family office, including the roles of chief executive officer and executive director of Belóved Gallery, as well as executive director of Beloved in Christ Foundation. She led the formation of Belóved Gallery and Café from the ground up and manages the overall operations of the organization. Wilcox is a sixth generation, native Central Texan who lives on her family ranch with her husband, Brad, and daughter, Christian.
Alaina Sivells-Wood, MARKETING DIRECTOR
Alaina Sivells has over a decade of experience in marketing, operations, and event management, where she has successfully built lasting customer relationships and transformed brands into communities of people who share similar interests. Alaina serves as Belóved Gallery’s director of marketing where she manages its brand through marketing and communications on all platforms of communications and events. She worked during the startup of Belóved bringing the exhibition to life. Alaina enjoys connecting with visitors who share their experiences with the paintings and building community around Belóved Gallery’s mission for people from around the world to experience faith through art. Alaina serves her community in many ways including as the program director at Camp Agape Grief Recovery Kids’ Summer Camp.
MICHELLE NEHME, CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Michelle Nehme is a writer and filmmaker with over twenty years experience in the creative arts. Her work has played internationally on PBS and in film festivals and has included feature documentaries, short films, music videos, and commercials. Michelle is thrilled to be a part of the Belóved Gallery team, where she focuses on content creation for social media, web, and video. Michelle also helps to document the personal stories shared by Belóved Gallery guests, including their experience of the exhibition, Akiane: The Early Years, which has been a deeply meaningful and rewarding part of her work.
Upcoming Events
Belóved Gallery is delighted to announce its third annual Fall Affair: A Celebration of Faith through Art October 24 – 25, 2025, with Master Fine Artist Akiane Kramarik in attendance. Join us in Marble Falls, Texas, for a series of special events in support of Belóved Gallery’s mission: for people of all backgrounds to experience faith through art.
We want you there! Guests can enjoy tours of Akiane: The Early Years at Belóved Gallery and a lineup of events at Belóved Café called Symphony of Art! which will feature artist presentations, music, and live painting! Belóved Gallery’s third formal fundraising dinner, Belóved Gala, will take place in Horseshoe Bay on the evening of October 25th.
Upcoming Events
Belóved Gallery is delighted to announce its second annual Fall Affair: A Celebration of Faith through Art October 25 – 27, 2024, with Master Fine Artist Akiane Kramarik in attendance. Join us in Marble Falls, Texas, for a series of special events in support of Belóved Gallery’s mission: for people of all backgrounds to experience faith through art.
We want you there! Guests can enjoy tours of Akiane: The Early Years at Belóved Gallery and a lineup of events at Belóved Café called Symphony of Art! which will feature artist presentations, music, and live painting! Belóved Gallery’s second formal fundraising dinner, Belóved Gala, will take place in Horseshoe Bay on the evening of October 26th. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available for the event.
2024 FEATURED ARTISTS & SPEAKERS
AKIANE KRAMARIK
Internationally recognized fine artist, poet, best-selling author, philanthropist, filmmaker, entrepreneur, visionary, and art ambassador, Akiane Kramarik is regarded as one of the world’s most accomplished and versatile living artists. A former child prodigy, she is considered by many art experts as the youngest binary genius in both realistic art and poetry. Her portraits of Jesus remain the most recognized face of Jesus across the world today. Kramarik’s creations have been exhibited in art galleries, museums, embassies, and private institutions, as well as collected by world leaders, CEOs, and celebrities. She has traveled to over 33 countries, lived in eight states, seven countries, and on four continents.
JOHN BURKE
John Burke is the New York Times bestselling author of Imagine Heaven and Imagine the God of Heaven along with four other books. For over 35 years, John has researched over 1000 cases of near-death experiences and writes on their correlation to the Bible. As a pastor and international speaker, John has addressed over 100,000 people in 30 countries on topics of leadership, spiritual growth, and the exhilarating life to come. He and his wife, Kathy, founded the multi-site Gateway Church in Austin, Texas which he led for 26 years. He also helped equip hundreds of young leaders across the nation in church planting during that time. Currently, John and Kathy are focusing on their writing outreach ministry as they seek to spread God’s love across the globe.
DEAN BRAXTON
Dean Braxton is an author and licensed minister with over 20 years of experience. He travels the world sharing his story, declared dead for one hour and 45 minutes before he was miraculously prayed back to life by his wife, Marilyn. During his experience in Heaven, Jesus told him, “No, it is not your time. Go back!” Their testimony has caused many to give their hearts to the Lord and has given many the sense of how much God loves each one of us.
JAMES B. JANKNEGT
James B. Janknegt began exhibiting his work in galleries and museums across the U.S. after receiving his MA and MFA. While in high school, Jim became a Jesus Freak and sang in a folk group. He began painting murals in his teens and has painted several famous murals around Texas. Jim’s paintings often depict parables and stories from the Bible. He is devoted to re-establishing the art of painting that can be called Christian in the great tradition of the Church before reformation and the outburst of iconoclasm changed the world of art forever. Jim does not paint in the style of the great Christian painters of the past, but he attempts to paint in the same spirit. Jim and his family converted to Catholicism in 2005 and live on an Art Farm in Elgin, Texas.
DALTON TRAVIS GRAY
Dalton Travis Gray’s experience of the Fatherhood of God in his life was made manifest in his childhood through the circumstance of a broken home. As a young man, God began to reveal Himself to Dalton through dreams and visions. Dalton’s passionate pursuit of God resulted in a translation to the Throne of God and Paradise in his early 20’s. He successfully pursued a career in the music industry for over a decade in Nashville. Through the trials and experience of life’s ambitions, Dalton left his music career and formed Stones of Zion Ministries. Dalton has appeared on Randy Kay and other Christian platforms to share his heavenly translation and teach about deliverance, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the prophetic message of the hour.
CODY ANDREWS
Formerly known as Living Witness, Cody Andrews is a rap artist and poet from the Pacific Northwest. He is part of the duo Cody Andrews and Tony Smiley and is the lead vocalist for the heavy metal outfit Sons of God (or S.O.G.). Cody also recently released his first book of poetry, No Water in the Words of Men.
RAMY ANTOUN
The son of a producer and pianist, Antoun was given a snare drum at the age of three. By the time he was seven years old, he was playing in his father’s band and never looked back. His roster of credits include the Black Eyed Peas, Seal, Pat Benatar, Paul Oakenfold, and Ed Kowalczyk (formerly of the band LIVE). As a producer and songwriter, Antoun has track credits on hit television shows and movies such as Matchstick Men, Crazy Beautiful, and The OC. Ramy is also a World Vision artist and served as the Creative Arts Pastor at Gateway Church in Austin, Texas. Most recently, he founded A & F Drum Co, a boutique drum company based in Austin, Texas. Ramy’s unique ability to blend different types of art into a powerful immersive performance is the highlight of the Belóved Gala.
GENE GLAESER
Gene has spent 40 years studying God, humans, and the arts. His work explores how God communicates through the Bible and how humans respond through art, expressing gratitude, fear, and joy as they seek to understand their identity and God’s love. Gene has been a husband for 44 years to Kaye, a father of a daughter and son, and blessed with five grandchildren. He also successfully pastored several congregations, led international and national software sales teams, and worked with many non-profit organizations.
SAM RYAN
Sam Ryan is an artist, poet, and influencer whose colorful portrayals of Jesus’s earthly life have inspired a generation. He draws from history and diverse curiosities to bridge emotions in his art. Drawing deeply from history, old and new, and the myriad of curiosities that pique his interest, Sam Ryan aims to bridge epochs and emotions in everything he creates. For him, creating art transcends the mere act of mirroring reality; it’s about challenging perceptions and invoking introspection. Sam encapsulates fleeting moments using each technique he has discovered, internalizing them in vibrant stories. In his studio, he embraces spontaneity and intention, creating art that resonates on both personal and collective levels. As Sam navigates this ever-evolving journey, painting the known and the novel, he invites you to partake, feel, and immerse yourself in tales as ageless as time.
HARMONY SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS
Harmony School of Creative Arts is an organization of artists cultivating their God-given talents in dance, music, and art through exceptional education in a loving and nurturing environment. Performances will include “Abide” with Elliana and Jenna Anderson, “I Will Carry You” with Taylor Mason and Macie Porterfield, and “Wonderful, Merciful Savior” with Elliana Anderson, Jeanna Anderson, Sophia Burns, Amy Evans, Taylor Mason, and Macie Porterfield.
DANCE TO GLORY
Dance to Glory Academy of Austin was established in 2007 to fulfill a calling to bring the hope and love of Jesus Christ, through dance. Founded and led by Brittany Peterson, Dance to Glory has used the art of dance to spread the gospel, bringing hope and love across the city, nation, and world. Their heart is to claim nothing more than a yearning and determination to do all things “From Him, through Him, and to Him…” (Romans 11:36). The Junior Company, established in 2013, is a select group of intermediate and advanced dancers who use their gift of dance to minister to lost and hurting hearts, bearing witness to the power of Jesus. Dance to Glory of Austin, a professional Company, was launched in 2015. This group of professional dancers use their gifts and talents to take the gospel of Jesus Christ across our city, nation, and world.
RYAN DESIATO
Ryan DeSiato is an award-winning professional singer, guitarist & songwriter from Austin, Texas. He writes and performs a mix of soulful rock, gospel-folk, blues ballads, and Psychedelic instrumental Spanish guitar.
CHRIS BEALLE
Chris Bealle is a singer/songwriter, guitarist, and producer based in Austin, Texas. He’s a member of the South Austin Moonlighters, with solo work including “Abilene” (2021).
ANDY DOLLERSON
Andy Dollerson is a Composer and Producer based in Austin Texas. His involvement with music and sound is rich and varied. What started as a love for performing piano has led to sessions for world renowned artists, international tours, composing for award-winning media, and producing talented independent artists from around the globe.
FATHER CEDRIC PISEGNA
Father Cedric Pisegna dedicated his life to Christ after a near-death experience at nineteen. A Passionist priest, he preaches retreats, hosts “Live with Passion!” on TV, and has authored 25 books, sharing the Gospel with many.
KARINA MARTINEZ
Karina Martinez, a wife and mother of four, immigrated from Colombia. After a near-death experience in 2020, she encountered Jesus and transformed her life. Now, she inspires others by sharing her story and prioritizing faith, family, and spreading love.
PEGI ROBINSON
Pegi Robinson is an author and creator of NDE TV, where she interviews near-death experiencers. After two NDEs, she became a child abuse investigator and fostered sixty children, adopting ten. She has been featured on Dr. Oz and various media outlets.
ABE THE AMBASSADOR
Born and raised deep in the heart of Austin, Texas, Abe The Ambassador is as local a homie as you can imagine. You are guaranteed a full spectrum of Texas flavor from the threads he rocks, the locals he supports, and the tunes he selects.
ELIJAH DELGADO
Elijah Delgado is an Austin-based indie singer-songwriter blending heartfelt lyrics, melodic guitar, and R&B vibes. Since debuting in 2021, he has gained 700k Spotify streams and performed at major festivals like UtopiaFest.
JOSH BISSELL
Josh Bissell is a Christian recording artist, songwriter, and worship pastor born and raised in Texas. He grew up in church, where music became his passion, and he started leading worship at the age of twelve.
Marketing Asset Requests:
Please address all asset inquiries to:
Alaina Sivells, Marketing Director
asivells@belovedgallery.org