If you’ve been around Mars Hill Church for a while, you’ve probably heard or read the mission statement: “Mars Hill Church lives for Jesus as a city within the city–knowing culture, loving people, and seeing lives transformed to live for Jesus.” In Seattle, part of “knowing culture” means engaging in the prominent art and music scenes.

Because of its location and size, the Ballard Campus has a unique opportunity to build relationships with local artists—both those who attend the church and those who don’t—and feature their artwork in and around the building. The massive walls and studio-quality lighting are ideal for displaying paintings, posters, and photography of all shapes and sizes.

For the past few months, we’ve featured John Osgood’s urban art on the main art wall in the Main Foyer. In fact, we enjoyed his work so much, we asked him to display another series of paintings, which have been up since the beginning of January.

John and his fiancé, Michele, started Bherd Studios in July of 2006. His love of art started in 2000 and continued when he attended Washington State University. There, his college roommates let him use their garage as his studio. He painted and drew all the time, using any medium available.

It was during college that he decided he wanted to paint and draw for the rest of his life. A friend told him he had a feeling that John would figure out a way to make it happen. John’s mind, of course, immediately went to visions of a starving artist.

After college, he got a job working in the produce department at Albertsons, but continued creating art in his spare time. He was determined to “do a little bit every day.” During breaks, he would even draw on produce boxes trying to fill an entire side with different shades and colors. He eventually sold his first painting and liked how it felt. It was then that Michele knew John needed to be doing this full-time.

That’s when they decided to start Bherd Studios. They are now part of the Greenwood Collective, which is located on Greenwood Ave North, mid-block north of 85th. They “believe in producing unique, quality artwork, clothing and prints” and “have a passion for urban contemporary artwork and specifically curating and promoting group shows that feature Northwest Urban Contemporary Artists.” They’re also a part of S3A which was founded in 2007. It’s a “group of artists and galleries committed to raising awareness of the alternative art scene in Seattle and the Northwest by chronicling and promoting events, artists and venues.”

To learn more about John and his artwork, you can visit his website and blog or email him at speakandbherd@hotmail.com. You can also check out the video below, which documents his first mural from start to finish.