Christine Simoneau Hales is a distinguished, professional artist known for her contributions to contemporary religious art. Born in Bethesda, Maryland, her artistic development began in Boston, Massachusetts, where she moved frequently before her family settled in Quincy. It was there that she found her footing and later pursued formal education at the Massachusetts College of Art, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Her passion for art was deeply influenced by her father, who was involved in both painting and photography. This early exposure helped shape her creative vision. During her senior year of high school, Christine realized that art was a unique language through which she could understand the world, fostering a sense of belonging and a way to explore profound truths.

Christine’s educational path combined creativity with a strong sense of purpose. After completing her BFA, she continued her studies at the College of New Rochelle in New York, earning a Master of Science in Art Therapy. This advanced education provided her with insight into the healing properties of art.

A key inspiration in Christine’s work is Christian iconography. During a visit to a convent in France, she encountered the ancient practice of icon writing, which resonated with her interest in classical painting techniques and contemporary art. She mastered traditional methods such as egg tempera painting, preparing gesso, and gilding with gold leaf, which have become central to her artistic process.

What distinguishes Christine’s work is her ability to blend these classical techniques with modern perspectives, resulting in art that addresses universal spiritual themes with grace and depth. Her pieces engage viewers, encouraging moments of transcendence and spiritual reflection.

Significant projects in her career include large-scale commissions for several churches, notably designing and painting icons for St. Vincent’s Church in Albany and creating saintly figures for Graymoor Monastery in New York. These projects allowed her to deeply immerse herself in the contemplative and historical dimensions of iconography, serving as personal expressions of faith.

Her work reveals influences from masters such as Fra Angelico and Andrei Rublev, as well as modern artists including Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall. Additionally, her admiration for Eleanor Roosevelt reflects her commitment to ideals of compassion, social justice, and global peace.

Christine is also a proactive member of the art community. She founded the American Association of Iconographers and serves on the Women Contemporary Artists Board in Sarasota, Florida, among other notable institutions.

Her art has been exhibited widely across the United States and abroad, including shows in New York and England. Prestigious venues, such as the McDaris Fine Art Gallery, Hudson, NY, Saint Peter’s Cathedral, St. Petersburg, FL, and the School of Art at Houghton College, NY, have showcased her work.

Throughout her career, Christine has received numerous honors and residencies, including a Community Arts Grant from the Greene County Council of Arts, and a GIG Grant from Maine, recognizing her significant contributions to the field.

In addition to creating art, Christine is devoted to teaching. She believes in the transformative power of art for both the creator and the viewer. Her workshops on icon writing are an extension of her faith and aim to inspire others toward spiritual growth.

Christine Hales continues to explore the relationship between divine inspiration and human experience through her art, infusing her work with hope and serenity and inviting viewers into a space of spiritual contemplation and beauty.