Laurel Springs Studio

Christine Berg

With a palette and vision drawn from her native Blue Ridge Mountains, Christine Berg works to inspire joy in her viewers. “We are all creative agents in the world,” she says, “and today our messages go farther and last longer than ever before. My purpose is to express the beauty, gladness, and praise God has created within me, and it’s my hope that my paintings transmit those qualities as they move from my own hands into others.”

Christine’s work describes the landscapes, colors and cultures of Appalachia in vibrant and striking ways. “These mountains have long traditions,” she says, “and though they are peaceful, they are always in motion. Never still.” She articulates that movement on the canvas through energetic brushwork, line, and color. 

Christine has a variety of professional pursuits that incorporate her undergraduate background in history, religion, and fine art with her graduate degree in education. As an educator, she has eleven years of teaching experience and three years of experience in education administration. As a fine artist, Christine has completed two national roll-outs of art for Ralph Lauren and her artwork is represented by Mallory Fine Art of Nashville, Tennessee. Christine has recently expanded her artistic abilities into work as a graphic and interior designer for Wallberg Construction. Christine and her family reside in historic Abingdon, Virginia, where she works and teaches from her studio space, located in a renovated, turn-of-the-century general store called Laurel Springs Studio. 

Melinda Looney

A lifelong student of the arts, Melinda Looney’s paintings are informed by years of study in the arts and drafting/design at Sullins College, Radford University, and King College. Melinda learned to translate her understanding of structure, color, and light into detailed portraits under the private tutelage of nationally recognized artist Vicars Lynn McKinney.

Melinda’s paintings spring from her passion for God’s creation and the joy we experience as we follow in His footsteps by creating and recreating good things with hearts full of love.