Transforming and Reclaiming the Arts

 

A community of artists united for God's work can do remarkable things. Writing groups, art lessons, art shows, and even art and worship conferences have been the result of this community. Londa DiSabatino shares her reflections on this amazing and growing ministry below.

The Sacred Arts Department at Canton First Friends Church seems to grow stronger and larger with each passing year. In 1997 a group of 15 people or more met together monthly for fellowship and encouragement - often by a speaker. That spring our first Art Show went up in the chapel with 43 pieces of work by about 15 artists using various media. It was a huge hit within the church.

Ten years later, black and red curtains were the backdrop for 103 art works including painting, photography, oils, colored pencils, and more. The show opened to the public for three days, beginning Sunday, June 3 with a Gospel music concert and ice cream social.

The Art of Worship Conference is another exciting resource to the community which began four years ago. Accomplished artists such as Michael Card and others have performed concerts on Friday evenings, then spoken during several "general sessions" on Saturday. The café offers a place to find fellowship with other artists, workshops on various art forms, and panel discussions. This year's program includes a concert by Margaret Becker on Friday, July 13, and speaker and author Janice Elsheimer on Saturday the 14th. The conference theme is "in the way? or…in the Way" from Psalms 119:30.

Several specialty groups with common interests have formed over the last few years and Canton First Friends has discovered that art can reach people who would never set foot in a church building. It can reach within minds and imaginations to make things clear in an instant that might take hours of study in text form alone. Phil and Londa simply enjoy helping people finding the artist within. We praise the Lord for His many blessings over these years.

Submitted by Londa DiSabatino. For further information, please email arts@firstfriends.org