The Paintings

Professor Timmerman, with the assistance of art student Alissa Hrushka, hand painted two 5-foot-wide by 17-foot-tall paintings entitled, “The Peaceable Kingdom Come” on the back walls of the chapel that can be viewed as you leave the building.

His inspiration for the paintings stems from the messianic prophecy in Isaiah 11, known as the 'Peaceable Kingdom,' as well as the work of 19th-century Quaker minister and artist Edward Hicks, who created over 60 paintings inspired by this chapter. The scripture describes a harmonious coexistence where children lead animals that are typically predators. In Timmerman’s work, a blend of Biblical animals and those native to the Pacific Northwest is depicted. In this case, it is not children who guide this peaceful community, but rather students represented by George Fox alumni.

Peaceable Kingdom by Edward Hicks

The work draws significant influence from Revelations chapters 4, 21, and 22, as well as the traditional imagery rooted in Christian heritage. This is reflected in the symbolic winged animals representing the four gospels, such as the ox and lion, the seven lampstands, and the tree bearing twelve fruits, whose leaves bring healing to the nations. 'Kingdom Come' descends from above, with angels resembling past and present members of the George Fox community, joyfully scattering symbolic flowers or gently offering tissue boxes to wipe away every tear. The work beautifully captures the life and hope Christ brings both for this world and the next.