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Get to know Stever Kott Homeless artist ‘walks with God’ to follow path of art, preaching By MARY BETH VERSACI mversaci@shawmedia.com
Mary Beth Versaci – mversaci@shawmedia.com
Artist Stever Kott displays some of his artwork, which he creates “by the spirit of God” and sells to support himself.
Interested in Kott’s work?
his art. At this year’s Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ Cook-Off Sept.
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to do to make ends meet.” Kott earns enough from his art to support himself. He typically spends his winters at an extended-stay hotel, but when the weather’s warm, he prefers to escape the distractions of secular society by living outdoors, which inspires many of his landscapes. “If it was better for me in the summertime to be in extended stay and work to pay that kind of rent, the Lord would have me there,” Kott
8ON THE COVER Supplies 4 Success volunteers including Chris Evans of Glen Ellyn help deliver school supplies to Abraham Lincoln school Monday.
said. “But this is better.” Art goes hand-in-hand with what Kott sees as his other mission: to preach the word of God to anyone willing to listen. He says art is one way to teach others about Scripture, because Kott depends on God so much in his work. “I ask the Lord about everything, and I walk with him,” Kott said. “If I’m not walking with the Lord, I’m looking for him.”
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Contact Beth Cipriano with First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn at 630-469-2007 or bcipriano@ firstpresge.org to learn about purchasing or commissioning a piece.
14, Cipriano will manage a booth where Kott’s art will be on sale. Kott’s mother was a graphic artist and he was exposed to art for many years and dabbled in it in high school. But it wasn’t until later that he began to focus on his artistic talent, which he credits – just as he does with everything else in his life – to God. “I got saved, and I do it by the spirit of God now,” Kott said. “That’s what he gave me
CD • Thursday, August 22, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • News | Leader | Press
GLEN ELLYN – After years of struggling with substance abuse, Stever Kott was ready for a fresh start. He checked himself into a detox center, and on his fourth morning there, he awoke to find he had no desire to drink. “I called the name of the Lord, and the Lord saved me,” said Kott, 58. “And the Lord cleaned house.” Today, Kott – 25 years sober – continues to go wherever the Lord leads him, traveling throughout the Chicago area to work and preach. Much of the work involves drawing and painting churches and landscapes. Kott sells his art for whatever amount buyers think a piece is worth. While Kott is a drywaller by trade, he began focusing on art a few years ago, after other work options began to dwindle. He started with murals and then began to visit churches all over the area and draw them. One of those churches was First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn. On a fall day, Kott sat outside the church, drawing. It was First Presbyterian’s Associate Communications Director Beth Cipriano who noticed him, and after they spoke, the church purchased the drawing. Kott continues to check in with staff to see if they have any work available for him. “I just so much want him to be successful,” said Cipriano, who has joined other church members in supporting Kott and spreading the word about