This work by an unknown 17th-century Italian painter beautifully unfolds the message of unmerited grace offered to mankind by a holy God.
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Bust of an Unknown Saint
France, 14th century
Below the image, click play to listen.
The Resurrection with Feasts
Tempera on panel
Unknown Russian
18th century
Russian icons have been part of M&G’s collection since our inaugural opening in 1951. Our founder, Dr. Bob Jones Jr., collected these uniquely symbolic works along with the Old Masters throughout the decades, including this interesting panel acquired in 1996—the year before his passing.
The central scene is surrounded by twelve smaller scenes identified by inscriptions and portraying the twelve major ecclesiastical feasts of the Eastern Orthodox Church, which are celebrated throughout the year. This type of icon is referred to as a calendar icon—a suitable focus as we turn the page on the New Year and a year in which M&G celebrates our 75th anniversary.
An image like this is read from left to right. Beginning with the top row (left corner), the illustrated events are:
- The Nativity of the Virgin: observed September 8
- The Presentation of Mary in the Temple: observed November 21
- The Annunciation: celebrated March 25
- The Nativity of Christ: celebrated Christmas Day, December 25
- The Presentation of Christ in the Temple: celebrated February 2
- The Baptism of Jesus: celebrated January 6
- Entry into Jerusalem: celebrated on Palm Sunday
- The Transfiguration: celebrated August 6
- The Ascension: celebrated 40 days after Easter
- The Holy Trinity (for Trinity Sunday, known as Pentecost): celebrated 50 days after Easter
- The Exaltation of the Cross: observed September 14
- The Dormition of Mary: observed August 15
Finally, the centerpiece features the victorious, resurrected Christ, which is celebrated on Easter Sunday. All of the other feasts lead up to or follow this great event. Additionally, the central image includes a number of elements from the Harrowing of Hell as described in the apocryphal book of Nicodemus (part II).
Observe the incredible amount of detail crowded into this central scene! Just below the risen Christ, He is shown again as standing triumphant over Hell (represented here as the realm of the dead) with the broken gates underfoot. On the left, He welcomes Adam and Eve and other Old Testament saints in a procession of people exiting the red mouth of Hell (lower left with a few visible teeth) toward the entrance of Paradise on the top right. To the right of Christ are Abel (murdered by Cain), Kings David and Solomon, and John the Baptist led by the good thief crucified with Christ, who is showing his cross to Enoch and Elijah as justification for his entrance into Paradise.
The lower right corner pictures the Biblical narrative of Jesus walking on the water to the disciples in the boat and Peter sinking after his failed attempt to stride the waves. On the top left, Peter peers into the empty tomb discovering the burial garments. Just below him are the angels led by Michael the archangel helping protect the procession of saints to Paradise.
Like the Western European audiences who viewed Old Master paintings, so the Byzantine and later Greeks and Russians were largely illiterate, relying on the pictures at church for scriptural understanding and church teachings. An icon like this one would have been made personally for the home of the devout. In a traditional Russian home, families would place their icons on a special shelf in a corner, known as the “beautiful corner.” By including an icon of the annual feasts in the display, every day would be lived in light of Christ’s victory over sin, Satan, and death.
Erin R. Jones, M&G Executive Director
Published 2026
Specialized Focus Tours (for adults)
Cultural Discovery Tours (for K-12 students)
The following tours are available for groups of at least 10 or more by reservation only according to scheduling availability. Tours are 45 minutes in length. Schedule at least two weeks in advance. Request tours HERE.
Fees:
Students (K5-12): educational discounts are available
Adults (College age and above): $5 per person
Note: There is a non-refundable reservation fee to book your tour.
Who Needs Shakespeare?
Gustafson Fine Arts Center, campus of Bob Jones University
For adults and students (6th-12th grade)
In a world of Broadway, YouTube, and Netflix who needs Shakespeare? The simple answer, of course, is we do! Simplicity aside, however, there is no writer past or present whose plots and characters more powerfully illuminate the human condition. Political intrigue, treachery, hypocrisy, selfless heroism, nobility, and beauty—are all poignantly framed and astonishingly “contemporary” (ripped from the headlines of a 24-hour news cycle). We need Shakespeare because in a culture numbed by constant distractions and irrelevant “noise,” he reminds us of our place in the world and our potential for good—or evil.
Request tour HERE or call for more information: (864) 770-1331
FREE Public Tour: Shakespeare Exhibition
Gustafson Fine Arts Center, campus of Bob Jones University
Join M&G’s Director of Education, Donnalynn Hess for a FREE guided tour through M&G’s focus exhibition, Who Needs Shakespeare? on Thursday, April 23 at 2PM–the day of Shakespeare’s birth and death. You’ll discover insights into the bard’s plots and characters through clever symbolism in paintings and engravings. Space is limited, and registration is required.
Register HERE.
Benjamin West: The Father of American Painting
War Memorial Chapel, campus of Bob Jones University
For adults and students (3rd-12th grade)
From an aspiring artist in rural Pennsylvania plucking the hairs of his cat’s tail for a home-made paintbrush to working as History Painter to the King of England during the Revolutionary War, Benjamin West led a remarkable life of influence, and his paintings detail his story of amazing opportunities! Tour this monumental collection of paintings commissioned by King George III and discover their significance in history.
Request tour HERE or call for more information: (864) 770-1331
FREE Public Tour: Benjamin West Collection
War Memorial Chapel, campus of Bob Jones University
On Good Friday, April 3 from 3-4PM, join M&G Executive Director, Erin Jones for a guided tour of Benjamin West’s monumental royal painting commission, The Progress of Revealed Religion. The tour is free, open to the public, and will conclude in time for guests to attend the 4:30PM Living Gallery program. There is no need to register.
Kids Create! Summer Art Day Camp
Building Blocks
For first-time kindergartners–offered all three weeks
Join our construction crew as we learn about the Elements of Art and discover how these elements are used in different art careers like Interior Design, Graphic Design, Studio Art, and Production Design! K5 campers will learn about the building blocks of art (line, color, shape, etc.) and use them to create fun artworks related to artistic career fields.
Note: K5 campers must turn 5 years old by September 1, 2026
Fee (includes daily instruction, art supplies, and snack): Museum Members: $95 | Non-Members: $99
Creative Pathways
For rising 1st—6th grade (ages 6-12)–offered all three weeks
What do you want to do when you grow up? Come along with us as we explore Graphic Design, Studio Art, Interior Design, and Production Design. Together we’ll learn about the essentials of these artistic careers and combine those tools with our own creativity to craft unique artworks. The week will be filled with interactive lessons, art activities, games, snacks, and even a backstage pass to Rodeheaver Stage, BJU’s center for dramatic productions, to learn more about art jobs behind the curtain!
Fee (includes daily instruction, art supplies, and snack): Museum Members: $95 | Non-Members: $99
From Concept to Curtain Up
For 6th-8th grade (ages 12-14)–offered weeks of June 8 and 15
Lights, Camera, Action! Have you ever wondered who gets to design the visual effects for theatrical plays and film? Summer campers will explore that question and discover how the elements of art and principles of design are integrated into the creation of sets, costumes, lighting, and even the movement of actors on a stage or film set. Through engaging lessons, guest speakers, games, art projects, and collaborative design opportunities, we’ll exercise your child’s creative muscles throughout the week while building up to our immersive backstage tour of BJU’s Rodeheaver Stage!
Fee: $125 (includes daily instruction, art supplies, and snack)
Register HERE.
Find answers to parents’ and grandparents’ Frequently Asked Questions.
Location: Bob Jones Academy (on the campus of Bob Jones University)
Time: 9:30AM — Noon, daily
Camp Weeks for 2026:
- June 1-5
- June 8-12
- June 15-19
On Fridays:
Each week of camp culminates on Friday with a special speaker and an art exhibition showcasing the campers’ creative, beautiful works of art. Students, parents, and families are invited to attend the Friday Art Exhibition and Reception at the end of Kids Create! each week.
Time: Fridays at 11 AM (June 5, 12, and 19)
Location: Lobby of Rodeheaver Auditorium, campus of Bob Jones University
Kids Create! summer art day camp is part of Arts Encounter, M&G’s K-12 arts programming.
Make a gift to support M&G’s mission, programming, collections, and future! If you’re interested in making a recurring donation, click here.
Seamlessly support M&G’s mission, collections, and programming by making a recurring donation today!
Enjoy this focused selection of short video clips and audio stops featuring M&G paintings depicting elements of the Biblical Christmas story.
If you enjoyed these objects from M&G’s collection, visit here to see more!
Victorian England: Through the Looking Glass
Join us for an exploration of Victorian England—a golden age of dazzling personalities, painting styles, and techniques! Students (ages 5-14) will discover how Victorian artists shaped not only their world but our own. Each 75-minute lesson is interactive and includes a related art activity. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn and create. As Alice in Lewis Carroll’s classic says: “What is the good of a book (or a world) without pictures?”
Parent attendance is optional. Review our FAQs, which cover arrival and even co-op questions.
Registration: Register HERE.
Location: Mack Building (on the campus of Bob Jones University)
Fees per Lesson: Children–$10; adults–$3
Further your exploration of the era at home through M&G’s FREE electronic activity resource sheets HERE.
Event fees are non-refundable. Adults may choose either to attend with their child(ren) or leave after student check-in for the 75-minute lesson.
Elementary School Lessons (K5-5th grade)
Thursday at 9:30AM and 2PM
Friday at 9:30AM, Noon, and 2PM
Middle School Lessons (6th-8th grade)
Friday at 9:30AM, Noon, and 2PM
Spring Topics:
Registration for Spring semester will open in December.
February 12-13, 2026
Enjoying a Laugh: Caricatures and Limericks
- Harry Furniss: The Art of Exaggeration
- Leslie Ward: The “Spy” of Vanity Fair
- Edward Lear: Painter, Poet, Humorist
March 12-13, 2026
Discovering Nature: Landscape and Still Life Paintings
- Thomas Creswick and John Atkinson Grimshaw: A Distant View
- William Henry Hunt and Edward Ladell: A Closer Look
April 9-10, 2026
The Imaginative World: Prominent Women Artists
- Kate Bunce and Marie Spartali Stillman: The Enchanted World
- Emily Mary Osborne and Emma Brownlow: The Nameless and Friendless
- Adelaide Claxton: Invention and Imagination
Homeschool Days is part of Arts Encounter, M&G’s K-12 arts programming.
