Published: September 24, 2008 10:12 am         

This lawyer paints: Beth Burton’s watercolor work on display in Episcopal Church in Indianola

Kosciusko attorney Beth Burton enjoys watercolor painting in her spare time. Her expertise has resulted in one of her works being selected for exhibition at “A Feast for the Eye,” a juried show at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Indianola.

Her watercolor, of an ornate red door, is titled “Refuge.” She said her inspiration for the painting came from seeing many church doors, especially Episcopal, painted red. She said the red door symbolizes the blood of Christ, which is our entry into salvation. Red church doors in the Middle Ages were a symbol of sanctuary. In those days, if one was pursued by authorities reaching the church door was considered being on hallowed ground, as the church was not subject to civil law. The red door was fair warning to pursuers that they could proceed no further. One who claimed sanctuary in this way would then be able to present their case and ask that justice be served, she explained.

Mrs. Burton and her husband, Mark, are members of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Kosciusko.

Mrs. Burton said she remembers painting and drawing as a child with her grandmother. She names buildings and houses as her favorite subjects and has recently added food items to her efforts on the canvas.

With children, Cole, 5, and Beau, 3, she said she finds late night her best time to paint. However, she said she invites them to paint along with her on occasions in an effort to bring out their artistic abilities.

Mrs. Burton is now a student of Kosciusko artist Ann Jordan and is enjoying classes at Jordan’s Art Gallery.

She also enjoys writing children’s stories and is in the process of writing a book and is drawing its illustrations.

The Kentucky native has a B.S. degree in English in addition to her law degree.

The exhibition in Indianola begins Sept. 27 and will continue through Nov. 2.