Miriam E. Krantz, a well-known nutritionist and Mennonite Mission Network associate, was recognized for her artwork recently in several of Nepal’s newspapers.
Krantz, now a student at the Kathmandu University Centre for Art and Design, showcased a solo art exhibit from May 24 to June 5 titled “Nepal Appreciation.” A feature article in The Kathmandu Post praised the exhibit for capturing rural life in Nepal. Articles also appeared in The Himalayan Times and The Reporter. About 250 people saw the exhibit of 38 works, of which 15 were sold, according to Krantz.
“The interest was way beyond my expectations in regard to attendance and words of encouragement (spoken and written) by my friends and acquaintances, as well as by artists and art teachers and their students and by those who simply dropped in,” Krantz wrote via e-mail. “Although many of my friends knew that I was attending art campus, most did not know what kind of art and to what extent I was committed to painting. Many were very surprised!”
Krantz has lived and worked in Nepal for more than 48 years promoting and teaching nutrition, but has been studying art for only five years. She uses watercolor; oil (brush and knife) on canvas and on plywood; acrylic on canvas, cardboard and paper; and oil pastel on canvas to depict landscapes and people at work.
The Kathmandu Post article said that conceptual paintings such as “Decision” and “Grain Abundance” were “effective in stirring the soul as they offer something unusual to the eye.”
Krantz said the painting “Decision” is a visual interpretation of her own faith journey.
Krantz stands inside Park Gallery during her exhibition. The two-floor exhibit included 38 works of art. Photo by John Lapp. Download full-resolution image.“The painting generated a lot of interest and questions and gave opportunities to share my faith with believers and unbelievers,” Krantz wrote.
She also admitted to having a hard time parting with a portrait of an elderly pleasant-faced Nepali woman that was purchased by a friend. Krantz wrote that the buyer comforted her by saying, “’Your Nepali older sister will be at our place from now on. Please come and have tea with her whenever you wish!’”
Krantz also has a 2009 oil painting titled “Nepali Homestead” on display in the new Mennonite Church USA office building in Elkhart, Ind., that opened in April.
Krantz is known for helping develop super-flour, a porridge that has improved nutrition outcomes for generations of Nepalese children. She developed the recipe while working with Nepalese mothers and the local foods they grow. Super-flour is promoted by the Nepali government as an ideal food for weaning.
“Bustling with energy and vitality, still eager to learn and explore a new field … at 75, Miriam is a true inspiration for people who do not wish to retire from life post-retirement,” The Kathmandu Post article said.
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Mennonite Mission Network, the mission agency of Mennonite Church USA, leads, mobilizes and equips the church to participate in holistic witness to Jesus Christ in a broken world. Media may contact Andrew Clouse at andrewc@mmnworld.net, 574-523-3024 or 866-866-2872, ext. 23024.