UU General Assembly 2025! Art and Jewelry with Unitarian themes

Unitarian (UU) Chalice set against an infinite night sky

Blue sailboat on lake with sun setting behind it

Tree's branches form a heart against a fiery sunset. Links to webstore.

We’re so excited to be heading to Baltimore to exhibit at this year’s UU General Assembly! This will be our second time ever at the exhibitor hall, and it feels particularly special. As long-time members of our home congregation here in Charlottesville, we’ve heard wonderful stories about GA for years, but it has often seemed like a distant event in a far-off city. With the Assembly just a short trip away this year, we knew we couldn’t miss the chance to be part of the larger conversation and connect with UUs from all over. We’re really looking forward to sharing our work and seeing some new and familiar faces. And this year, we’re giving away a 11″x14″ framed print – choose any of our 100+ images!

Who is Art Transforms Life?

Flame Bilyue’

Artist and Jeweler, and the creative mind behind Art Transforms Life

I’ve been a member of the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Charlottesville for over 20 years now.

Southern Baptist culture surrounded my early childhood . I loved the stories of Jesus caring for people and being of service through kindness and generosity and seemingly having magical abilities to heal others. I also liked the comradery and being a part of a community.

As I grew and became aware of what seemed like hypocrisy, racism and sexism, I pulled away – while still longing for that kind of community that held space for spiritual growth and mutual support. I dabbled in an eclectic approach to spirituality and exposing my children to a variety of religious beliefs. It was my partner, Raven, who introduced me to the UU Church, community, and culture.

I finally felt like I found a good match for my eclectic beliefs and desire to live as what I think those stories of Jesus were teaching, a person that loves and cares about all beings.

While exploring how I personally can contribute to the UU community as well as the larger world around us, I have become interested in and passionate about the symbol of the flaming chalice. As an artist, I’ve “caught the enthusiasm bug”! I wanted to create my own representation of the flaming chalice in many artists forms. I’ve delighted in sharing them with others through art shows, shops and my online store.

An old friend, community member and UU minister gave me the nudge I needed to bring my art to the General Assembly. Curiosity and longing for that broader community connection has me stepping into this new possibility. I’m looking forward to this opportunity to to share inspiration and empowerment with our larger UU community through my art and further ignite the passion of our shared commitments for building a better more equitable world.

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Raven Long

Flame’s husband and co-conspirator.

Picture of Raven, Flame's husband and techy-smart-person

I first learned of UU in my 30’s after telling someone “I really like a lot about church, if it just wasn’t for that God thing.”

I was raised weakly Methodist, by which I mean we went to church twice during my childhood. My mother was agnostic or an atheist (I wish now I had thought to ask!), Dad was raised Methodist. Dad got to read Bible verses on Christmas and Easter, and to say prayer at dinner.

My high-school sweetheart was a Fundamentalist Christian. I went to church with her regularly. I enjoyed the fellowship (and rollerskating), but was put off by the conservative views, by back-biting and gossiping among the adult members, and the don’t ask questions approach to religious doctrine.

When I visited the UU Fellowship of Corvallis (Oregon) on the advice of one of my college professors, I immediately fell in love! I taught YRUU, took scads of Adult RE classes.

I’ve been a member of the UU Congregation of Charlottesville since 2001. I’ve been on the Board, taught OWL and YRUU, led and been a part of numerous social groups.

And now, I’m coming to GA for the second time! Even just being on the periphery, in the Exhibitor Hall, is exciting. I’m looking forward to meeting and networking with people across the country (and maybe across the world?).

I look forward to seeing you there!

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About My Art

This General Assembly, I’ll be showcasing a collection of works that explore the power of light and community. Inspired by the Unitarian Universalist tradition’s flaming chalice, a symbol of passion and purpose, I’ve delved into my own origin story and the profound impact of my birth name, Flame.

Chalice Paintings

This and other chalice prints will be at the UU General Assembly

In the autumn of 2024, I showcased a body of work that explore the power of light and community. Inspired by the Unitarian Universalist tradition’s flaming chalice, a symbol of passion and purpose, I’ve delved into my own origin story and the profound impact of my birth name, Flame.

My art is a reflection of my personal journey towards healing, inspiration, and empowerment. As a lifelong advocate for positive change, I believe in the transformative power of art to ignite hope and connect us to our shared humanity.

My Tree folk

Springtime Tree of life, femail dryad. Links to online store

white oak tree in the blue ridge against brilliant sunrise. Links to webstore

Tree of Life/Dryad couple entwined by the serpent in Genesis

Two trees dance in front of a full moon in an ethereal fantasy landscape

I’m obsessed with trees. They are my family and my friends and so they show up in many of my paintings. My silent companions, their branches reach out like welcoming arms, giving me a sense of comfort. It’s like they understand me. I want to capture their beauty and wisdom in my art, so others can feel what I feel.

My Jewelry

While I paint in acrylics and watercolor, I’m known for my Sculpted Paper work. I make paper pulp out of our junk mail and art scraps, and shape and sculpt it as I paint. Though I started out making wall art with this technique, I’ve more and more used it in making lightweight, durable jewelry.

Where to find my art – besides UU General Assembly

From the time I declared myself a professional artist, we’ve been making our own prints and cards of my work. A large and growing body of my work is available at our Art Transforms Life webstore. If you’re near Charlottesville, VA, I’m also a member of C’ville Arts, an artist cooperative on the historic Downtown Mall.

Last year, we partnered with Art Storefronts to give us a broader range of offerings. In our new store, we can offer prints on metal, wood and canvas, as well as t-shirts, mugs and ornaments. We’re excited to be able to expand in this way. You can view our new store at FlameBilyue.com. And be sure to sign up for our email list for 20% off your first purchase!

Stay in touch, and visit us in Baltimore!

We’d love to hear from you. Please let us know if you’ll stop by at UU General Assembly, and feel free to ask if you have any questions! You can comment below, leave us a message here, or join us on Facebook. Please also look through our blog posts.

. . . and don’t forget our giveaway . . .

This year, we’re celebrating with an exciting giveaway for a beautiful 11″x14″ framed print (a $50 value)! The winner will get to choose their favorite piece from our entire collection of over 100 unique images. Click the button below to enter for your chance to win the art you truly love!

Enter to win!

UU General Assembly 2025! Art and Jewelry with Unitarian themes

Who is Art Transforms Life?

Flame Bilyue’

Raven Long