The much-anticipated portrait of Chuck Colson was unveiled at his 75th birthday celebration by Virginia artist Timothy Chambers at the world headquarters of Prison Fellowship. Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship and former advisor to President Nixon, was moved by the portrait, stating that he was very pleased with Mr. Chambers work.

The lifesize painting departs from typical portrait compositions that represent the subject in a dark suit, at a desk, in a library setting, instead showing Colson outdoors reading without a jacket in a relaxed yet distinguished pose.

Many in attendance remarked how "warm and full of personality" the portrait is, saying that Mr. Chambers accurately captured Mr. Colson in a colorful and approachable painting.

The celebration of Colson's 75th birthday coincided with the Prison Fellowship's 30th anniversary. Over 250 people attended the by-invitation-only dinner to honor Colson's service and his Prison Fellowship ministry that serves prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families in more than 112 countries to prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families.

Guests included former Attorney General and State Senator of Virginia Mark Earley, who is also the current President and CEO of Prison Fellowship, former professional football player Senator Jack Kemp, former Governor of Minnesota, the Honorable Albert H. Quie, five-time Grammy award-winning music artist Steven Curtis Chapman, and video appearances from President Bush, Franklin Graham and others.

Chambers is the first and only artist granted the honor of portraying Mr. Colson, who has declined previous invitations.

"Chuck has always resisted drawing any attention to himself," said Alan Terwilliger, senior vice-president, ministry relations and Wilberforce Forum at Prison Fellowship.

Tim recalls that Chuck was approachable from the start.

"His humble and kind demeanor was a real contrast to his reputation as Nixon's 'hatchet man," Chambers said.

"Chuck truly is a servant first and foremost, yet he is a man steeped in wisdom and knowledge. Our conversations during the sittings were candid and insightful, and each time I came away with a greater respect for the man and his vision."

The ministry of Prison Fellowship left an important impression on Chambers who is seeking opportunities to lead painting workshops for those in prison. More information on Prison Fellowship can be found at www.prisonfellowship.org.

Chambers is known primarily for his portraits, with specific respect for his outdoor portraits. Viewers often comment that the subjects in his portraits look "ready to walk right off the canvas," explained Middleburg decorator Caroline Memery, who introduced Tim to Alan Terwilliger,

"Tim is truly an artist who paints with his whole being, and captures not only the beauty an dignity of the subject, but also the spirit of the individual."

Growing up amidst the aroma of turpentine, gesso, and oil paints, Chanbers began painting at a young age, learning from his father, Chicago portrait painter William T. Chambers. He also studied with others across the U.S., influenced by American Impressionist Henry Hensche of New England and Cedric Egeli of Annapolis, MD. His portraits and landscapes are in collections across the country, and have fared well in competitions.

More information may be found at his website www.timothychambers.com or by calling his studio at 800-680-0958.