Meet the NJS Team
RUth Stricklin
As a sacred artist, my vocation requires utter reliance on God and the grace he provides in every moment, with every work. Sharing my passion and love for beauty while serving the Body of Christ in this way is the joy of my life. I love the research, learning with each new project, getting to know the church communities I work with, and seeing how the finished art helps transform those communities.
I am deeply humbled when I think about people praying with my art and choosing it for their churches and homes. It inspires me to give everything I have, since this art can lead to their encounter with Christ.
I am also supported by an incredible team that makes it all possible. I rely on their faithfulness, their amazing gifts, tireless effort, and the joy and energy they bring. We are a family that shares a vision! And I am so grateful for my husband, for his support, deep knowledge of the Catholic faith and doctrine, and his passion for the liturgy that constantly helps to inform and shape my art.
Owner, Founder, Lead Sacred Artist
Geoff Stricklin
What drives me in our work as a liturgical arts studio is knowing that we are cooperating with Christ, who is revealed and made present in a powerful way through the signs and symbols of the liturgy. I have personally experienced Christ's presence in the beauty of sacred music, in our grand liturgical ritual, and in the glorious sacred art and architecture of our Church. When my experience of Christ took theological root in my studies at the Liturgical Institute, I became—and continue to be—filled with zeal to share these connections with others.
Ruth and I have both had powerful encounters with the Lord through the liturgy. When we hear of a person who has been drawn into deeper relationship with Christ in a powerful and inspiring way through one of Ruth's works of art, it is a supreme joy.
I'm inspired by witnessing Ruth's continuing journey as a beautiful soul. She has spoken openly about feeling unworthy when she began as a sacred artist. Her journey is characterized by saying a perennial, trusting "yes" to God's promptings. She frequently shares that when she allows herself to "show up," the Lord brings his own presence and love—enabling her to continue growing in his service. Watching her develop as an artist, persevere through difficulties, and remain open to new opportunities is an inspiring wonder to behold. I am so grateful for Ruth, our marriage, and our work together.
Owner, Founder, Business Manager, Liturgical Advisor
Apprentice, Studio Assistant, Wholesale Client Relations
Noah Minton
My primary focus of work at NJS is assisting with the artistic needs of the studio. My time is frequently spent working on the large scale sacred art murals that the studio produces. I also assist with customer relations, outreach, product production, and studio maintenance.
I love the people that I work with and I love being in a space where creativity flourishes, but above all, I love the opportunity that I get to glorify the Lord through Beauty with New Jerusalem Studios.
It is one of my heart’s greatest desires to pursue Him in my love for Art and Beauty, and the joy and fulfillment I receive by sharing this Beauty with the world is immense!
Peg Thoren
Fulfillment Coordinator, Shipping Manager, Handmade Products Manager
It has been a complete joy and inspiration working with Ruth and watching God work through her.
Experiencing the development of her truly God-given talent has been a special blessing to me.
I began working with Ruth when NJS first started. We had worked on other projects together and share the same creative approach, so supporting her with this ministry came naturally to me.
Ruth and Geoff have allowed me to utilize some of my own creativity by making the icon boards and helping to stencil on church projects, which has been very fulfilling.
Watching how God has grown this ministry has also been a true blessing and what keeps me wanting to see what is next.
Whether I am creating icon boards, stenciling, working with vendor relations, or helping with shipping orders, I am very grateful for the privilege to work with Ruth, see her grow, and be a part of the NJS team.
Bill ristow
Director of Carpentry
With my background in carpentry, my role is to cut, sand, and carefully prepare the wood ‘icon’ boards for Ruth’s beautiful artwork. I also often assist with preparing mural canvas for hanging and installation when it’s complete. Much of our work is more physical that people realize, so it takes a team.
It’s been a blessing from God to work in the studio with my daughter and support my family creatively!
Marketing Manager, Product Development, Wholesale Operations Director, Legal Advisor
MIchele Tucker
My favorite part of the work at NJS is sharing the Gospel's radiant beauty with people—either by helping them discover the story within the images or by sharing how those images evangelized and transformed me. I'm grateful my role allows me to participate in a wide variety of activities that challenge me intellectually and creatively. Whether I am reviewing a contract, developing a wholesale strategy, designing a product for the home, or helping to stencil a church.
I am vividly aware that I have the privilege of helping to reveal Christ and His deep love for each individual person by offering them an encounter with His own Beauty.
Encountering the Lord in prayer and in others inspires and fulfills me. What keeps me going here at NJS is seeing the Lord work in and through Ruth. She's one of the most inspiring and encouraging people I have ever met. It is a gift to me to be able to help her share the gifts the Lord has poured into her with others. She and Geoff are both teachers by nature; they pour themselves into the work and into the people around them, spilling over knowledge and goodness and beauty on each of us.
Jill Laine
Website Designer, Product Development, Social Media, Etsy Shop Manager, Graphic Designer
Behind every mural and sacred artwork at NJS are a lot of moving parts, and my job is to keep everything running smoothly so that Ruth can focus 100% on her painting and projects.
Having a front row seat to the transcendent beauty and meaning behind Ruth’s work is a blessing and a joy to witness.
Even though the art at NJS is sacred and reflective, working together as a team is fun! Ruth has a razor-sharp wit and humor that people might not expect, and she creates an environment where creativity and new ideas are welcome.
I truly believe in the work that Ruth and Geoff are doing, which is why being part of our little team is so fulfilling. Additionally, supporting this mission and ministry alongside my sister makes it even more special. I’m inspired by her heart to change the world through beauty, and I’m blessed to stand behind her as she and Geoff grow the vision of NJS.
Shirley ristow
Chief Support Specialist
I love helping at NJS in any way I can. There’s so much that needs to be done all the time. I pitch in to keep things running smoothly by packaging and framing prints, and even painting.
I especially love that we work together in this mission as a family.
We are so proud of our daughter and the ways she blesses others through this studio ministry. It’s our joy to contribute to that!