About Sam Butcher
Though he is one of America's most beloved artists, Sam Butcher has never forgotten his humble beginnings. He began his career as a "chalk board minister," using illustrations to teach young children about God.
With a strong spiritual commitment, Sam accepted a job as an artist at the International Child Evangelism Fellowship in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For 10 years, his work was seen by millions of viewers on the program "Tree Top House."
In 1974, Sam partnered with a friend to start the Jonathan & David inspirational greeting card business which featured the teardrop-eyed children he had been drawing for family and friends. He called them "Precious Moments" because they spread love, caring and sharing in everyday situations.
The card company was the first step toward professional success for the artist and his Precious Moments® illustrations. In 1979, Enesco Corporation transformed the artwork into porcelain bisque figurines, which become a phenomenon in the collectibles industry.
Sam has also received many accolades for his artistic achievements. In 1988, he was presented with a Special Recognition Award from the National Association of Limited Edition Dealers (NALED). In 1992 and 1996, Sam was named "Artist of the Year" by NALED.
In 1989, Sam began what he calls his life's work -- the Precious Moments Chapel located on hundreds of acres of rolling hills and farmland in Carthage, Missouri. The Chapel, featuring a Precious Moments version of Michelangelo's "Creation" along with many other drawings, statues, fountains, wedding chapel and attractions, draws more than one million visitors each year. Visitors can see more than 50 Precious Moments Renaissance-colored murals, 30 stained glass windows, two 9-foot bronze sculptures, 350-pound hand-carved wooden doors, galleries with personal tributes and a gift shop.
Text taken from Enesco's home page.
http://www.enesco.com/latest/gift/gg010/gg010abt.htm
|
