Years ago when Barbara Lewin joined a Methodist Youth Fellowship, she felt a strong spiritual calling. Originally, she sought guidance under the patient tutelage of her pastor in her quest to become a deaconess in her church. But, mused Lewin, "the Lord had a different direction in mind for me - in my writing and in my art."

On Saturday, Aug. 20, Hicksville area residents will have the opportunity to enjoy viewing Lewin's artwork, which will be on display at the Holy Grounds Coffee House, located in the Social Hall of the Hicksville United Methodist Church, 130 West Old Country Road, from 7 to 11 p.m. The display of Lewin's work will compliment a contemporary music program featuring Christian performing artists "Screaming Pebbles."

What makes Lewin's accomplishments all the more remarkable is that she has honed her skills as a painter while battling Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS), a condition which at one point severely compromised the use of her right arm. After 10 years of watching doctors struggle to identify the cause of her ailment, (including an initial misdiagnosis of breast cancer), Lewin finally received a correct diagnosis in 1998. Since then, she has been receiving ongoing treatment for her condition. Lewin continues to receive epidurals and must see a pain management doctor every two weeks for injections. But through it all she has maintained a positive outlook.

"I firmly believe that with God's help," said Lewin, "I can accomplish things I once was afraid to tackle."

Listening to her heart, Lewin went to SUNY-Farmingdale where she received an associate's degree in advertising art and design. At first, she worked for a small local newspaper where she learned to design and lay out ads for retailers. In the 1990s, she went to continuing education classes and studied palette painting for two years. It was there that Lewin discovered a creative outlet to uniquely express the love she felt for the world around her.

Lewin's work centers around natural wonders: the spectacular sunset, the majestic mountains, the endless and soothing sea. The texture of her palette paintings enables the viewer to "feel" what she sees through their own eyes. For several years Lewin's paintings were shown at the East Meadow Public Library's juried art show. Lewin's last large acrylic painting shown at the library was of a courageous filly named "Go for Wand" who persevered at the Oct. 27, 1990 Breeder's Cup Distaff at Belmont Park with a leg that broke right before she would have crossed the finish line as the winner. The filly continued, broken leg and all, to run past the line, only to end up giving her life. A devout lover of horses, Lewin vowed that day that she would, "paint this brave horse who was later inducted into the Hall of Fame." Unfortunately, a 1997 house fire dulled some of the colors, but Lewin "couldn't part with the painting!"

As her painting continued to earn the admiration of friends and family, Lewin listened to encouraging words from special relatives who urged her to develop her other talent, writing. Three years ago, Lewin edited and self-published The Long March Home, a story of her father's experience as a POW. She is now writing her autobiography entitled Another Door Opens, which she describes as a testimony that, "Even after the loss of a special love, and being left alone and almost penniless with two young children, I never lost faith. I have always believed that God has a plan for me. Lessons to learn. Lessons to teach others."

Lewin considers her work to be a reflection of her efforts "To learn, to love, and to find peace in the simplest things around me."