In Front of The Cross

This was a very private and special moment for me earlier this week as I stood in front of The Cross, the mural I created specifically for the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. . The mural dominates the wall immediately following the finale theater, drawing visitors' attention to a hilltop cross, the focal point of an expansive landscape.

The people in attendance were very kind and told me continually that they were overwhelmed by this enormous mural when they saw it for the first time. I feel exactly the same way. The Cross is amazing and I am tremendously privileged to be a part of this incredible undertaking. Many of my images have been displayed in wonderful ways in the past, but this is the pinnacle in size, magnitude and for the feeling it creates.

(Photo credit: Billy Graham Evangelical Association)

Yesterday was a Big Day

Yesterday was a big day to say the least. Seeing my mural The Cross at the reopening of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte was both exciting and an extreme honor. Seeing it displayed so dramatically was more than I could have even imagined.

I was able to sit down and spend some time with Franklin (at left) and Billy Graham

Franklin Graham introduced me at the unveiling ceremonyMore than 300 people attending the unveiling of The Cross.

The Cross Meets the World

The reopening of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina is happening today and The Cross, my new mural will be unveiled--and what a sight it is. As you approach the mural, you’ll walk through the dramatic light of seven illuminated crosses. The Cross mural has its very own light show to magnify the overall impact of the image. It’s a breathtaking sight and I’m proud to have my painting displayed in such an astounding way.

After many renovations, the Library is ready to reopen—for the media and dignitaries today and for the general public starting tomorrow. In addition to The Cross, new video presentations about Graham's life and an exhibit featuring thousands of Graham’s favorite books will now be on display at the Library.

I’ll share more of my impressions about this amazing day during the upcoming week. And look for The Cross in galleries starting this week, available in three different sizes.

Sunrise

My inspiration for The Cross, my 32-foot mural to be displayed at the Billy Graham Library, was inspired by Sunrise, (shown here) one of my most popular pieces ever. The Cross should follow the same path, because I feel as though it's one of my most inspirational images. The Cross was born by Sunrise, which is currently sold out in various sizes and editions.

More News About The Cross

Many people are asking for more news about The Cross. First off, yes--it will be available in our galleries later this month. We'll be releasing it in four unique sizes (12 x 24, 18 x 36, 24 x 48 and 30 x 60).

The Cross will begin shipping on April 19th and its national television unveiling will take place on April 27th on ShopNBC.

The mural and the lighting effects are being installed this week. Assembling and installing the mural's amazing 32-foot long frame will undoubtedly be quite a project. We're also going to be sending the original to the Billy Graham organization to be displayed at the Billy Graham Evangelical Association headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The original of The Cross is the largest image I've ever painted at 3 feet by 6 feet. It's a huge canvas and by far the largest I've ever painted.

More About The Cross

Here is another portion of The Cross, the mural I created for the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina. It's a stunning 32-foot mural. This enormous wall provided a majestic canvas for my painting and I'm so pleased with it. In just less than two weeks, The Cross will be shown to the world for the very first time, at the reopening of the Billy Graham Library, Bookstore and Billy Graham Childhood Home on April 20th.

This image is the first of the Billy Graham Signature Series. In addition, we're currently working very closely with the Billy Graham Foundation on promotion and marketing for the Library. We're thrilled to be in partnership with the Billy Graham team on such a significant project. Stay tuned for more details as they develop.

The Billy Graham Library

On April 20th, I’ll be attending the re-opening of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte North Carolina to unveil my original 32-foot mural of The Cross. If you’re not already familiar with this world-renowned Billy Graham Library, here’s some information about it, courtesy of www.billygraham.org.

The Billy Graham Library invites visitors to encounter highlights of Billy Graham’s extraordinary life, a journey from the pastures and dirt roads of North Carolina to platforms and arenas in the world’s greatest cities.

The centerpiece of the Library is A Journey of Faith, a presentation that features multimedia displays and re-creations of historic moments in Billy Graham's life and ministry. Spanning the decades from the 1940s to the present, the exhibits show how God prepared and used this humble man to take the message of His unchanging love to an ever-changing world.

A visit to the Billy Graham Library includes countless experiences:
• Witness the power of a life changed through obedience to God.
• Enjoy the dairy farm setting reminiscent of Billy Graham's childhood.
• Watch amazing films, and see more than 350 photographs.
• Experience the broadcasting media used throughout six decades of ministry.
• Submerse yourself in a room a special room dedicated to Ruth Bell Graham.
• Gain historical perspective through Mr. Graham's worldwide impact.
• Learn about Mr. Graham's relationships with political and spiritual leaders.
• Tour the restored Graham Family Homeplace.
• Spend time in prayer and reflection in the Prayer Garden.
• See how the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) continues this life-changing ministry today.
• And so much more!

The Library bookstore offers visitors a chance to shop for unique treasures in Ruth's Attic, named for Mr. Graham's late wife, Ruth Bell Graham, who was a poet and lover of literature.

Sit in a wooden booth or rocking chair at the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar, a café located inside the Library that provides a place to relax and enjoy sandwiches, salads, ice cream, cookies, beverages, and other treats.

With inspirational memories and state-of-the-art presentations, the Library offers something special for every age group. It serves as an ongoing Crusade and presents visitors with the same message that Billy Graham has delivered for more than six decades, the message of everlasting life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.