Through the darkest valley goodness and mercy will follow

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Artist

Jonathan Millet

Finalists Highlight Semifinalists

Artist bio

Jonathan Millet invites the viewer to interpret their own human experience of family through his mixed media works that utilize painting, drawing and printmaking. Millet has always been intrigued with how objects or images create a narrative and in visual terms finds the random relationships and juxtapositions most interesting. “I seek to find new stories in the exploration of FAMILY STORIES and the natural ambiguity of memories in relation to tales passed down from generations. The intent of this work is to have a universal appeal, to discard personal history that allow me to contextualize the narrative for a broader inspection of the human experience of family,” explains Jonathan. Millet lives with his family in Rowlett, Texas. He received his BA in studio arts from Biola University in Los Angeles, CA and his MFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. NY. He currently serves as the Visual Arts Department Head and art teacher for Trinity Christian Academy.

Visual Arts 2026 Contest

Title

Through the darkest valley goodness and mercy will follow

Medium/Genre

Sculpture

Artist Statement

This sculpture was a commission by the city of Rowlett in honor of the first responders on 9-11. The sculpture depicts the twin towers with die-cut Maltese crosses representing the names of the 343 firemen who lost their lives on that terrible day. Inside each cross the name of each responder is etched into translucent plexiglas. At night, an interior light illuminates the crosses which honor the ultimate sacrifice of service, to lay down one's life for another. Atop each tower sits a bronze cast figure of a fireman. One fireman represents the city of New York, and is in a posture of prayer, meditation, and reflection. The other fireman represents the local fire department and first responders. He is geared and ready to engage in acts of service for his community. The base is a concrete pentagon, with the words of remembrance "We will never forget" etched into it as a permanent reminder of the events that changed America.

How it fits into contest

The title of this work comes from Psalm 23, which reflects that in America's darkest hour, God's grace and mercy were evident, even through those horrific days. Those that served during the days and weeks that followed, extended grace and mercy to all those in need. On the helmet of one of the bronze cast fireman, are the words "Fear No Evil" with the logo PS23 representing Psalm 23. On the fireman's axe are the words, "Comfort and Justice", reflecting the "rod and the staff" used in the Psalm to bring discipline, direction, order, and peace. The hope is that viewers of the sculpture will engage that amongst chaos and tragedy, God's goodness and mercy are still evident.

Credits

Thank you to the City of Rowlett, Texas for supporting public artworks and honoring heroes in our nation.

Thank you to retired Fire Chief, Neil Howard, for his vision, passion, and support in this project.

Thank you to Marshall Millet, my special-needs son. God has used his life and his love for fire stations and first responders to encourage me to apply for this commission and to make me a better man.