BEVERLY The creative expression of spirituality is the theme of an exhibit being hosted by St. Stephens Episcopal Church.

Through Oct. 7, the public is invited to view 45 pieces of religious artwork displayed in the parish hall. The selection features digital photographs, watercolors, oils, sketches, acrylics and pastel drawings submitted by 20 artists from the region.

The church worked in cooperation with the Burlington County Arts Guild to plan the juried exhibit, which is in its fourth year.

Its an opportunity for artists who dont have (a venue) for religious art to be displayed, said show organizer Jean Wetherill, a former mayor who serves on the school board.

Dozens gathered for an opening reception Sunday evening. The show was judged by Ruth Councell, wife of Bishop George Edward Councell of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey.

First place went to Jesus Before the Sanhedren, an oil painting by late Cinnaminson native Carmen Altopiedo. Formerly a commercial artist, he devoted his time to fine art when he retired in 1985 and was a member of the Willingboro Art Alliance, said his daughter, Donna Altopiedo.

She and her brother inherited their fathers collection after he died in August 2010 at age 83 and have been submitting them to various area exhibits.

The posthumous honor was a first for the artist, who never exhibited or sold his paintings, his daughter said.

All he wanted to do was paint. That was his love, his passion, said Altopiedo, of Ambler, Pa.

The Gathering, a digital photography collage by Richard Montemurro of Runnemede, Camden County, won second place, and Good Morning America, a watercolor by Joyce McAfee of Medford, came in third.

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Spiritual artwork displayed at Beverly church