By Day . . .

During the workday, Health Services Administrator Kevin Stewart compassionately cares for his staff and oversees all areas of the ARISE Health Center at Covenant Village.

After hours and on the weekends, Kevin can be found perusing places that sell art, looking for his next purchase or an opportunity to find an art piece that can be lovingly and professionally restored.

Kevin’s passion for art began when, as a 10-year-old, he began making trips with his aunt and uncle to flea markets and other places where art could be purchased. Kevin’s interest in art restoration continued when he became acquainted with an artist in the Washington, DC, area who mentored him for a couple of years in art collection and restoration.

From those early beginnings, Kevin continued to hone his craft in a 25,000-square-foot studio building in Gastonia. Insurance companies contracted with Kevin to restore art that had been damaged, and Kevin’s reputation as one of the best in the trade continued to develop.  More than 2,500 pieces of art restoration later, Kevin decided to sell his massive studio workspace and began to view art restoration as more of a hobby than a second profession.

However, Kevin’s passion for art restoration and knowledge as an art collector has continued to grow.

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, Covenant Village residents and future residents filled the Assembly Room, eager to learn more about Kevin’s “hobby.” The attendees were mesmerized by Kevin’s stories of restoring art pieces, set against a backdrop of more than 20 works on display. Whether the artwork was damaged by fire, water, mold, candle soot, or simply grime, Kevin shared that he approaches each project from the perspective of seeing potential beyond what is seen on the canvas. He shared several bags of grime- and dirt-covered cotton balls to illustrate the tedious nature of his work.

Kevin shared that he uses every chemical imaginable in his “toolbox” of cleaning agents, along with unconventional sources such as lemon juice, baking soda, and yogurt.

“I had no idea that Kevin had this level of expertise in art restoration,” commented one resident after the presentation. Other residents shared stories of restoration that Kevin had done for them – in one case, on a piece of art that dates back four generations.

Kevin’s personal collection of canvas art and other works exceeds 250 pieces, which are divided among his Gastonia and beach homes, as well as his son’s home in Raleigh.

Asked if he is still collecting art, Kevin laughed and explained that he “has a disease — an art collector disease. Now, instead of purchasing 10-12 pieces a month, I might purchase just one. But I am still collecting!”

_______________________________________

Kevin’s presentation was another in a series of Covenant Village Employee Spotlights, provided through the Residents’ Council and the Legacy of Care Philanthropy Committee, to showcase the many talents and hobbies that Covenant Village employees pursue outside of work.

View a highlight video of the event here.

Next on the calendar is Amber Flowe and Jeanne Maracle, who will lead a Christmas singalong on Thursday, December 11, at 3:30 in the Assembly Room.

Donate to the Workforce Investment/Staff Bonus Fund at http://www.covenantvillagenc.com/giving