Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Bethea

In May of 2007, Mark was commissioned by the Junluska Assembly, the Methodist Retreat in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, for a portrait of the late Dr. Joseph and the late Mrs. Shirley Bethea.  Dr. Bethea was the first African-American Bishop ordained in the Methodist church, and was widely known, respected and loved.  A new Welcome Center, named in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Bethea, at the Junluska Assembly was completed in June 2007, and the portrait now hangs in the entrance corridor of this beautiful new building.  Mark was recognized at the dedication ceremony, and enjoyed meeting the Bethea's daughter.  Also unveiled that day was an art assemblage created by artist Sylvia Williams, which is installed at the end of the entrance corridor, just above the concierge desk.  The three-dimensional assemblage was created using cathedral organ pipes, which were embellished with fabrics representing the different cultures of the world.  The embellished organ pipes are represented in the background of the portrait of the Betheas, creating a rich, meaningful connection to the work of the two great ambassadors of Jesus Christ.