When Akiane Kramarik was only eight years old, she finished a painting that would touch the hearts of millions: “Prince of Peace,” a beautiful and almost magical image of Jesus Christ. What made it so special wasn’t just the incredible skill of someone so young—it was the powerful story behind it. This story is filled with visions, loss, healing, and Akiane’s deep connection to her inspiration.
Sixteen years after being mistakenly sold and hidden, “Prince of Peace” came back into Akiane’s life, reminding the world of her incredible journey, her passion, and the spiritual path she has walked.
Now at 28, Akiane is a famous painter, author, and philanthropist. Still, “Prince of Peace” holds a special place in her heart. She often talks about how the painting came from a “visionary inspiration,” something bigger than herself that guided her hand. “It comes from God,” she said. “His voice is soft and lovely.” The painting shows a tender and gentle Jesus, a deeply human version of divinity that continues to guide her life and work.
Akiane grew up in a small town in Idaho, in a family that didn’t follow any religion. Her mother, Forelli, was from Lithuania, and her father was American. Both were agnostic—they didn’t believe in God or practice any faith. Akiane’s mother shared that they never talked about God or religion at home. “We didn’t attend church, pray, or talk about God,” Forelli recalled.
“Then suddenly, our daughter started talking about God’s love and wanting to paint what she saw. It was amazing.”
From the age of four, Akiane began telling her parents about dreams and visions that seemed too incredible for someone so young. She described visiting heaven, a place full of light, beauty, and peace, and seeing the face of Jesus—not as a faraway figure but as someone very real. She felt the need to paint what she saw.
Her parents, completely stunned, watched as their little girl picked up paintbrushes and began creating artwork that seemed like it was beyond her age. Her talent, mixed with her strong desire to capture these visions, seemed like a gift from a higher power.
One key part of the story behind “Prince of Peace” was Akiane’s search for the right model. She had a clear vision in her mind of what Jesus looked like and needed to find someone who matched it. “I spent a long time looking for a model,” Akiane explained. She prayed for guidance and hoped to find the right person. One day, a carpenter came to their door.
He had gentle eyes and a calm presence—exactly what Akiane had seen in her visions. “That was him,” she told her mother. He agreed to be her model, and soon after, she began painting.
The result was breathtaking. “Prince of Peace” captured Jesus with a sense of love and peace, his eyes full of kindness. The painting quickly gained attention worldwide, not only because of its beauty but because people couldn’t believe that such a young child had created something so deeply moving.
But the story didn’t stop there. Years later, after the painting had gained fame, it was stolen. For sixteen years, the painting was lost, sold without Akiane’s family knowing, and tied up in legal battles over its ownership. Akiane spoke often about how much she missed the painting, especially knowing how much comfort it brought to others. It was a long and painful fight to get it back.
Finally, after years of waiting, Akiane was reunited with her beloved painting. The legal struggle was over, and the artwork returned to her hands. She chose to sell it to a private collector, someone who promised to share it with the public. Now, “Prince of Peace” is displayed at the Belóved Gallery in Marble Falls, Texas, where people can see its beauty again.
For Akiane, seeing it in a gallery was like closing a chapter in her life. “It still feels unreal,” she said. “The journey this painting has been on is almost unbelievable—but it taught me about the power of love and faith. Love is incredibly strong.”
Since then, Akiane has continued to spread love and positivity through her work. She has painted many more pieces, each inspired by her spiritual experiences. Her art focuses on themes like heaven, love, and humanity, showing her deep connection to the divine. She’s also a poet and author, writing about her journey and the importance of following one’s inspiration.
On top of that, she’s used her fame and fortune to help children in need and support various causes.
The return of “Prince of Peace” wasn’t just about getting a painting back—it was about reviving a story that reminds us how art can connect people, reflect faith, and express something greater than ourselves. Akiane’s journey, from a child with visions to a world-famous artist, is a testament to the power of love, faith, and listening to the quiet, gentle voice inside.
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