"Esther" by Lauren Brumbach Ebersole

36"W x 48"L x 1.5"D oil painting with chalk pastel and gold metal leaf on cotton canvas

Understanding one of ancient literature’s most important women, Esther, through color, form and light.

The colors and forms in this piece are rooted in human experience. We, like Esther, through darkness, conflict and pain, rise into the light. We find hope and love through peace and compassion.

100% of the proceeds from the sale of this painting will support Friends of Guest House, a non-profit in Alexandria, VA that helps previously incarcerated women reenter their community.

We chose to work with Friends of Guest House because we felt that their mission had strong parallels to the story of Esther. Women in ancient times found themselves in many different types of prisons - physical and metaphorical. The story of Esther tells us that, while we will all experience some form of darkness and pain in our lives, there is always light to be found. Our community is our light!

This painting was featured each week during Grace Community Church's Passion to Purpose sermon series on the book of Esther, Fall 2024. To hear Lauren share her inspiration behind this painting, watch this one-minute video: https://vimeo.com/1005909472.

Esther was a gracious, patient, and compassionate woman whose voice rang out in a time when women’s voices and identities were stripped from them. She spoke on to lead her people out of darkness to new life. Similarly, Friends of Guest House works tirelessly to uphold their mission in supporting women who need a second chance at life.