DESCRIPTION: This striking 20 color, gold illuminated lithograph is rich in symbolism as is the style of the artist. The artwork depicts a tree, symbolic of the Tree of Life, the Torah. It is filled with leaves and branches representing the numerous mitzvot. The fruits in the tree are the product and reward for the fulfillment of G-ds holy commandments. The Jerusalem homes in biblical style, that are around the tree, indicate the constant commitment of Jewish people to these eternal values and customs.

ARTIST INFORMATION: : Today's renaissance of the traditional Jewish lifestyle has been accompanied by the blossoming of a multi-faceted Chasidic art movement. Michoel Muchnik, among the foremost Chassidic artists, has gained prominence with his joyfully imaginative renderings in acrylics, watercolors, and original lithographs. He frequently combines his delicate use of color and fine line work into a story book motif. Even at its most mystical, a Muchnik painting is inexplicably familiar.

Born in Philadelphia in 1952, Muchnik received his artistic training at Rhode Island School of Design. He later studied at the Rabbinical College of America, in Morristown, New Jersey.

Muchnik has staged exhibits of his original paintings, bas-relief mosaics and lithographs throughout the world. His originals have been displayed at the Brooklyn Museum, the Goldman Arts Gallery in Washington, D.C., Yeshiva University Museum in New York, Dansforth Museum in Massachusetts, the Sydney Jewish Museum and the Sharei Tzedek Collection in Israel.