Coming to Zion 11x14 OE - Litho Print

By 1855, many thousands of Mormon Pioneers had already braved the difficult trek west to join the main body of the Mormon Church in Utah. Many thousands of others also wanted to, but could not afford the expensive wagons and oxen. To assist these, the Mormon Church, using money from the Perpetual Emigration Fund, established handcart companies, each of which would be accompanied by a small group of wagons with oxen to carry heavier items. These saints traveled from Liverpool by boat to New York then took the train to its most western point, Iowa City. From Iowa City, the saints walked and pulled handcarts 1,300 miles. During the period 1856 to 1860, more than 2,962 people made this trek with more than 250 perishing along the way. This painting is a tribute to these faithful pioneers, who suffered great hardships to gather with the saints in Zion. As I painted this picture, I could hear the soft whispers of the hymn,Come, Come Ye Saints. The words, But with joy, wend your way , inspires me to try to persevere, as they did. In the painting, I wanted to capture the mood as well as the authenticity of the family coming west. I especially like the young boy leading the cart with the small rope attached to the front. The sky is ablaze with the glory of God, as the saints push forward steadfastly -- Coming to Zion.