Contact: Susan Hooks, 215-482-7700

PHILADELPHIA, March 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- The move from Lancaster, PA to Philadelphia, PA is bringing the biblical fine art gallery called White Stone into the public eye. Upon entering, you will not see trite or sentimental art suited for Easter and Christmas cards. You may encounter abstract expressionist oil paintings from New Zealand, Chinese silk embroidery, American contemporary forged steel sculpture … just to name a few. Each work of art by a renowned artist is infused with underlying strong spiritual meaning. This is what sets White Stone apart from other high-end commercial art galleries. After relocating three months ago to the upscale Manayunk section of Philadelphia, people are taking notice that White Stone is rare, if not alone, in showing artists of this caliber with every piece focused on God.

Now in the midst of the beautiful shops and award-winning restaurants of Philadelphia's Main Street, the nearly 6 year old gallery represents not only biblical fine art from notable artists from America, but from almost every continent. Their works consist of different mediums, styles and even different approaches to the basic principles of the Christian faith. Since the move, White Stone is becoming one of the places that collectors and now a museum visit for acquiring work by today's leading artists of faith. The National Museum of Catholic Art & History located in Manhattan, New York City is the first museum to be added to the gallery's list of clients.

In an eight page article for Outreach Magazine, Gene Koprowski writes, "The messages behind [White Stone's] art convey timeless and biblical truths [with] leading Christian artists of the day." Derek Hooks, who co-owns White Stone with his wife, says, "People are often drawn by the look and quality of the art and then moved by the themes." One visitor to an exhibition of 21 paintings from the Gospel of John says, "To be confronted with the beautiful, almost haunting painting … moved me to a deeper examination of what Christ did for me."

In the contemporary art world, a pro-Christian theme is less accepted and an anti-Christian theme is accepted. Yet, White Stone continues to gain respect in the art community. Still on occasion, White Stone faces criticism for only showing works that have a biblical theme. Susan Hooks says, "Yes, we have had people oppose the gallery's Christian perspective, especially since moving to Philadelphia. But we are learning to deal with controversy. We consider it a responsibility and a privilege to represent important works such as these."

White Stone's current exhibit, from March 7 to April 27, is a group exhibition focusing on the Life of Christ. Some of White Stone's upcoming exhibits include such notable artists as National Council of the Arts member, New York City's Makoto Fujimura; CIVA's founder collected in museums all over the world, Sandra Bowden; award-winning mixed media artist, Carol Bomer; oil painter to noteworthy collectors, Daniel Bonnell; Ethiopian contemporary painter, Yisehak F-Sellassie; and Switzerland's unique expressionist painter, Corrine Vonaesch. White Stone also hosts other significant solo and group exhibitions.

In addition to sales, White Stone incorporates short and long term leasing as an option. White Stone's hours are Wed - Sat 11-7, Sun 12-5. Private viewings and guided visits are also available. For more information, visit www.whitestonegallery.com. To contact the gallery, call 215.482.7700 or email info@whitestonegallery.com.