Anthony Joseph Salvatore: Faith Through Art

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      Anthony Joseph "Tony Joe" Salvatore (1938–1994) was a self-taught artist and ordained minister whose prolific body of work fuses bold, symbolic imagery with profound spiritual conviction. Drawing solely from the Bible for inspiration, Salvatore created more than 2,500 works over four decades, ranging from intimate studies to monumental paintings spanning over 20 feet.

     A formative spiritual experience occurred when Salvatore was just nine years old—he reported hearing the voice of God, a moment that would define his life’s purpose: to share the Gospel through art. He left school at sixteen to pursue religious study full-time and joined a Pentecostal sect at age twenty.

     In 1973, following a life-altering automobile accident that required multiple spinal surgeries, Salvatore redirected his focus more fully toward art. While undergoing rehabilitation in a nursing facility, he resumed his education—studying art, philosophy, and religion at Youngstown State University. From 1975 to 1981, with support from a prominent Youngstown businessman, he completed correspondence courses at W.B. Grant Bible College in Dallas, Texas. By 1981, he was ordained as a Pentecostal minister, though he supported himself by working in the laundry room of the Seminary School Society of the Mission of the Sacred Heart in Chicago.

A major turning point in Salvatore’s artistic vision came in 1979, when he discovered the Lamsa Bible, an English translation of the Aramaic scriptures. This text profoundly influenced his practice, inspiring a more mystical and symbolically rich approach to painting. While each work typically began with a rough sketch, Salvatore believed the final image was revealed through divine inspiration.

Working on linen canvas or paper, he developed a distinctive technique that combined acrylic paint, oil pastels, and multiple layers of wax to produce radiant, highly textured surfaces. For Salvatore, painting was never merely a creative act—it was an expression of worship and deep spiritual devotion.

Exhibition Specifications:

Number of works: 

• 2 Paintings (51" x 76.25" ) & (62" x 55")
• 9 framed drawings. variety of sizes 28" x 22" -  20" x 16"

Size of Exhibition:

•  800-1000 Square ft. is recommended
• The exhibition can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of your gallery.

Availability: 

• January 2025 onward.

Loan Fee:

• Price available upon request.

Shipping & Insurance

• Shipping & insurance charges are not included in the rental fee and are the responsibility of the borrower.  A list of available shipping partners can be provided upon request.
• x1 C-Bin 48" L x 25" W x 28" L  (for framed pieces)
• x2 T-Frames for paintings

Loan Duration: 

• 8-10 or 12-16 weeks. 
• Exhibition loan durations are customizable to best suit your institution’s timeline.

Labels & Didactics:

• Venues responsibility to print labels and didactic info.

Security

• Moderate security required.

Hardware

• Detailed installation instructions, and special hardware travels with the exhibition.

Credit Line:

• Private Collection