Elayne LaPorta       I always felt that if I could capture religious stories in a simplified naiveté style that my art, my paintings would speak to people. My art advisor, Mr. Calvin Goodman, encouraged me. He said, “Paint large, you have a large subject.” My small contribution to religious art gives me a good feeling of joy and fulfillment. I am humbled and grateful to have been nominated and I accept the Mother Teresa Award. I must tell you that I feel a great deal of wonderment and awe at this moment of recognition, but also I am delighted to be given this very prestigious honor and to be among other recipients more worthy than I in receiving the Mother Teresa Award statuette and citation. My heartfelt thanks to you and the Board of Directors of St. Bernadette Institute of Sacred Art. Sincerely, Elayne LaPorta Nomination: For her role as American Religious Folk Artist Elayne LaPorta’s palette is filled with royal colors inspired by dramatic themese from the Bible and fastidious research. She is a native Nevadan who has found her niche translating spiritual scenes onto canvases and limited edition prints using her own unique American Folk conceptions which she calls “Naivité.” Each of Elayne’s paintings precedes months of research and she presents the tiniest details in each art piece — all for the pleasure of those who view her art. Her background of archaeological studies and a cross referencing system she employs to validate her work results in a glorious blend of religion, color and history. Elayne’s unique works have been exhibited in galleries around the world. She has traveled extensively to study the terrain and history to support her research. And her narrative works depict the vegetation, clothing, weapons and legends indigenous to the particular Biblical theme. Her dedication to her mission is truly a labor of love that is evident in every aspect of her creations. Elayne LaPorta’s home and studio is in a secluded neighborhood in the suburbs of Las Vegas. She paints daily and continues her research long into the nights.
	MOTHER TERESA AWARDS | St. Bernadette Institute of Sacred Art | PO Box 8249 | Albuquerque, NM 87198 | USA