Paintings of Faith: Avril Caron Shares Her Testimony Through Art

For Avril Caron, painting is more than an artistic pursuit — it is an expression of faith. Through her exhibition “Paintings of Faith,” Caron shares visual testimonies inspired by scripture, personal belief and the diverse world around her. A member of the Kirkland Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she uses art to reflect her testimony of Jesus Christ and explore how faith can unite people across time, culture and experiences. The exhibition is on display at the Beaconsfield Public Library in Greater Montreal from June 2 to August 30, 2026.

Faith as the Foundation

For centuries, artists have used visual storytelling to communicate belief and record sacred ideas and experiences. Caron continues that tradition in a distinctly contemporary way, blending scriptural themes, personal reflection and modern perspectives.

Caron explained that the exhibition title became the anchor for the body of work because, at its core, her artwork is an extension of her devotion to the Saviour. Through her paintings, she hopes to offer viewers “a tangible sense of divine presence, love and solace, and a deeper appreciation of the gospel [of Jesus Christ].”

Caron sees faith as both a spiritual belief and a source of personal strength. “It speaks simultaneously to established religious conviction and to a universal human disposition — the deliberate choice to believe, endure and persevere,” she explained. “My personal beliefs continuously inspire me to walk that path.”

For Caron, each canvas serves as “a visual gratitude journal,” documenting personal spiritual experiences and testimonies that have shaped her life.

A Journey Shaped by Art and Adversity

Caron’s love of art was nurtured by her mother, who studied art history at university. “During school breaks, [my mother] would bring me along to her university lectures,” Caron recalled. “I was completely captivated by the environment, actively participating, to the surprise of professors who marvelled at a 7-year-old’s comprehension.”

Immersed in the works of the masters and encouraged by her mother’s support, Caron developed an artistic identity that eventually led her to a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Montreal.

Plans to serve a full-time missionwere interrupted by a serious illness that lasted nearly five years. Caron described her eventual recovery as a defining moment: “My miraculous recovery was a definitive turning point; experiencing rehabilitation to life, I felt every facet of my being align with the healing power of Jesus Christ.”

The experience not only deepened her faith but also reshaped her understanding of art’s purpose. “I firmly believe art communicates directly to the human heart in a lexicon that words cannot replicate, acting as a conductor for spiritual messages,” she said. “Melding my academic training with my urgent desire to share my testimony, I view my current reality as a specialized calling as a visual missionary.”

An Exhibition That Evolves

Caron hopes visitors will be drawn in by the exhibition’s vibrant colours and leave with a renewed sense of hope and reassurance that they are not alone in their belief in God. “On a deeper level, my hope is that those who pause before the canvases will feel a quiet, spiritual resonance in their hearts,” she said.

That sense of discovery is also reflected in the exhibition itself. Illustrating the evolving nature of faith in Jesus Christ, the exhibition will feature a rotating selection of artwork, ensuring visitors encounter something new with each visit. Caron will continue to add pieces throughout the summer. “Because the room serves as a vibrant hub for community activities, it attracts many repeat visitors,” Caron noted. “I am particularly mindful of the children who spend time in the space and hope to inspire a sense of wonder by creating a dynamic environment where there is always something new to discover with each return visit.”

Looking Ahead

One painting, “In Me,” holds particular significance for Caron. She said, “It portrays a woman gazing into a mirror. Her reflection reveals her adorned in a regal crown and mantle, illustrating how God truly sees our infinite worth. In a contemporary society burdened by intense perfectionism, this piece has touched many souls.”

At its heart, the painting reflects a message central to Caron’s work: helping others recognize their divine worth and God’s love for them.

Asked what comes next, Caron offered a simple answer: “The overarching blueprint remains beautifully simple: to keep creating, expanding my technical boundaries and sharing my love of God through visual art.”

Read the article in French