About Us
Gleam is nothing if not a story of God's calling and our obedience to Him. Through the ups and downs of this space, we have learned to trust in His plan, creating an environment and ministry that serves Him first and foremost. Read below about our mission here as well as the story of our owner, Kristy Linville.
"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying "I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 8:12
Kristy is a former hairstylist, now an artist, surrendering it all to God during this life changing journey. She's only been an artist for a short time, but God... He doesn't call the equipped; He equips the caller.
In just a few short years, Kristy has won 3 awards, illustrated a children's book, helped ministries raise thousands of dollars by auctioning off paintings, painted her first outdoor mural - Charlie Kirk, started her own art gallery in Pickles Gap Village, and is now back painting in her home studio.
She is focusing on family: her husband, Caleb and homeschooling their 4 kids. Kristy is enjoying painting at home, doing pop up shows, and live painting at events, raising funds for ministries and weddings, creating an heirloom, created on that special day and kept to cherish forever.
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:6
Kristy's Story
I haven't been in the art world long, but creativity has always been a part of
my life. I never fully lived it out until 2023, when God called me to quit my job.
I worked as a hairstylist for 5 years. Before that, I worked as a preschool teacher.
& before that, I was working as a CNA at Conway Regional and a couple of different
nursing homes. I love to look back at where God
had me in my life, preparing me for my future. Every step before was my own,
but God waste nothing.
Growing up, I was very artistic, loved drawing and doodling. I always took art classes in school, but sports and friends overshadowed my true calling. I quickly stumbled into a bad crowd and started doing as much bad as I could. After 4 years of partying and drugs, God stopped me. I wrecked my brand new car, broke my neck, found out I was pregnant, had to try wedding dresses on in a neck brace, got married, and had my first son, Cloud. The reason God saved me from the wreck. I got pregnant with my next son, Adler, and started going to church with my sister, JoLeigh. My first marriage ended after 4 rocky years. I quickly found the love of my life, Caleb. God is so good for bringing us together, out of dark places. We got married in 2017. That's when I quit work and started cosmetology school. I loved doing hair and makeup! The closer I became to God, the more He led me to do things, I never thought I'd do. In, 2019, I had a sweet baby girl, Ellie. Covid hit and we started homeschooling. Then, we had another sweet baby girl, Savannah. We then felt called away from sports that were taking over our lives. To continue the "pruning" in my life, God called me to quit my job as a hairstylist. (John 15:2) For the next year, I wondered what my purpose was. Obviously, my most important ministry was at home with my kids. But, after a year of trying to pick up random things... cake decorator, tapestry, opening a boutique, calligraphy, and so many I can't even remember... I decided to sketch a drawing of Cloud, while they were doing schoolwork. I was pretty amazed at myself, so I did Adler next. Then Ellie, Savannah, Caleb, and a self portrait. I then decided to watercolor with the kids. I watched some videos and kept coming across acrylic painting. I ordered some on amazon, along with canvas panels. I just started, right there in the kitchen, with my kids doing school. What a blessing it was!!! To have a creative release, in the comfort of my home, in the presence of my kids, and a new way of worshipping our Savior and King.
I sold my first painting in May 2023. I started doing commissions here and there (before I even knew what that word meant). I entered in my first art show that October. The Neighbors, an Art Show by Engage Management. I had zero expectations and was so ecstatic to be a part of the show. It was just an honor to have my paintings on a wall, next to other artists, for people to see! The award ceremony started and again, I was just excited to see which paintings won because the whole show was just incredible! (That's when I truly fell in love with "art gallery" idea) Caleb started recording, in hopes of me winning an award. I was just embarrassed that he was holding a phone up, because there was no way I was winning anything!!! I seriously had zero hope for that. I just was happy and content in the crowd. Well, this describes our situation... me as the artist and Caleb, being my biggest supporter. I could not do this mentally, physically, anything without him.
They got to the last award, the "People's Choice Award," and he is still holding the camera phone up. They call "KRISTY LINVILLE" and I just couldn't believe it. I was speechless. It was the most incredible night and my husband got it on video. My "Sunset on Greers Ferry" won and then my mom, Julie, bought it. Another huge supporter of mine, that I'm so thankful for. Shes become quite the art collector. I went on doing more and more commissions. Spring 2024, I felt like painting was taking over my living room. So, I had a little studio for a short time at Mary’s Nest in Springhill, then a tiny studio in downtown Conway. God has allowed me to learn so many lessons through this journey. Fall 2024, I entered that same art show and the EXACT same thing happened... I won the "People's Choice Award" for my "Lion and the Lamb" painting. It was another incredible night. For the next 4 of months, I was dreaming of having a gallery!! I was looking for places downtown, because I thought, that’s where the art scene is starting to bloom. I felt like I was running into one wall after another.
**UPDATE 7/4/2026**
God allowed me to start an art gallery at Pickles Gap Village May 2025. It truly was a dream to be in that area and have an art gallery with friends. For 6 months, I ran an art gallery, with 30 artists at one point. God revealed to me that I was in a very dark place and I was distant from him. I had put everything above my family. So, Caleb and I prayed about what to do. The decision was clear. I had to make them all of them leave, which was a terribly hard process. I felt awful and was hated by almost all. But God’s calling was more important. I thought at that point that I would be leaving also, but God kept provided for me to stay. Several months passed. I was trying so many things to have a successful physical location- painting events, opening weekly, open studio, all these things. I felt so drained and unfulfilled. I thought I had my hands wide open for God to remove me. So, Caleb and I started a 30 day prayer- intentionally seeking God’s power about this specific thing in our lives… What are we to do?
OH MY. Do you want life change? Do a 30 day prayer, seeking God intentionally and specifically.
Anyway… God had called me to leave… through Caleb. He is the spiritual leader of our home and for months, he mentioned giving up Gleam at PGV. I thought “no way, if God wants me to leave. He’ll take it.” Well, that was God telling me to leave… through Caleb. PRAISE THE LORD!! Obviously, lessons are hard, but I am so thankful for the God’s plan and design in marriage. I’m so beyond excited to be home with my family. NOT have a physical location. I love Pickles Gap Village so much. The owners have been gracious and kind. I will continue to support that place, doing pop up events and live painting on the patio… also, watch out for new murals there!!! I’m excited to create a studio at home, enjoying my family, and getting out for pop ups and live painting events!! Please continue your support of Gleam ONLINE!
