NORMAL - After nearly three decades of struggling to figure out where he fit into the art world, Mike Connelly has finally found his place. And he doesn't think it was an accident. Connelly, an artist since the age of 12, also is a Christian who believes the events of his life are carefully orchestrated by God.

"It's been hard because I've never felt part of the mainstream community, and the church never really embraced my art either," he said. "It was like being in two worlds and I've had to bite my tongue in each of them."

But then Connelly heard about the Van Leer Arts Society, and something resonated within him.

The group was formed this summer when Natalie Wetzel, a stay-at-home mother of four, and Bekah McLean, a senior sculpture major at Illinois State University, met with Immanuel Bible Foundation's executive director, Marc Boon.

Their goal going into that meeting was to host an art show at the facility this fall. But the artists left Boon's office with an idea much bigger - to form a group of artists who would regularly come together to discuss and critique each others' work. The group also would hold an annual show and have conferences with guest artists from around the country.

For Wetzel and McLean, it was more than they could have hoped for. And for Boon, it was exactly what Immanuel Bible Foundation needed.

"We have the music part down," he said. "We had been trying to figure out how to extend the foundation's reach into the visual arts."

The Immanuel Bible Foundation was formed by Bird and Margaret Van Leer in the 1940s to promote the arts and support local churches and charitable organizations.

"When we walked into his (Boon's) office, it was like there was this immediate feeling of being in the right place," McLean said. "There was a reason God made this so huge in our hearts."

Boon had the same vision.

"We didn't really know it until we started talking," Boon said. "But the foundation of this organization (Van Leer Arts Society) was established in that first conversation. And this is part of the Van Leer legacy."

The group has been meeting at noon on Fridays in the basement of Broadview mansion, and usually has between eight and 10 regulars.

The society will hold its opening gala from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the mansion. It will feature the work of Connelly, Wetzel, McLean, Dave Burnison and Mary Paradies. Dave Berry, chaplain for the society, and pastor of Jacob's Well Community Church in Normal, pointed out that the group is not comprised of Christian artists, but rather artists who are Christians.

"It's not a closed society," he said. "What has happened here has been the coming together of people who have desired to express themselves artistically."

Berry said the group's intention is to articulate truth, beauty and goodness through their art. But "that does not mean they won't tackle the difficult and tough subjects," he said.

One of McLean's pieces, titled "Love Lost in Lust," is evidence of that. The cast glass piece rests on a pink negligee, draped over love letters scrawled on notebook paper, and will be featured in the upcoming gala.

"We're not Christian artists painting Jesus," she said. "You won't find that here. But our art is reflective of our lives, and of our experiences."

Dave Burnison of Normal who primarily works in oils, said his work is designed to be a catalyst for the viewer to get in touch with repressed feelings.

"I want to add a soothing touch to the world with my work," he said. "The world has plenty of stress and conflict and I think we should work toward peace and reconciliation when given the opportunity."

Mary Paradies, a Metamora native, will have colored pencil and watercolor pieces depicting people and flowers in the show. "I make art because I have to," she said. "Life is more than just work. There will always be another meal to fix, another load of laundry to wash, another errand to run. Artistic endeavors provide joy in the contemplation, creation and completion."

Wetzel will have three paintings and two photo collages in the show, and Connelly's vibrantly colored painted constructions depicting themes from nature will be featured.

Boone believes the home-like atmosphere of Broadview mansion offers a welcome relief from the antiseptic feel of art galleries.

"Art galleries can feel cold," he said. "But here is a place where you can view art in the context of a home. A full house is a wonderful and warm place to be."

As for the future of the society, Wetzel and McLean hope to bring in more artists, continue to encourage one another and possibly help other communities set up similar societies. The group already is expanding into other areas of the arts. Writers and musicians are also encouraged to attend meetings. And Berry is planning a four-week reading group beginning Nov. 16 called "Christmas at the Kilns," featuring advent readings from C.S. Lewis, as well as tea and crumpets.

"It's crazy, because Bekah and I had been praying about this since February," said Wetzel. "We wanted a place to gather and people who will challenge and sharpen and grow each other as artists."

"This is the place where the church and art coincide," Connelly said. "All along I have been looking for something like this and I found it within this group."

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Art exhibit

What: Van Leer Arts Society opening gala

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Broadview Mansion, 1301 S. Fell, Normal

Featuring: Natalie Wetzel, Bekah McLean, Mike Connelly, Dave Burnison and Mary Paradies

Media: Glass, acrylics, watercolor, colored pencil, oil, painted constructions, photography