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  • Iconographer Tom Clark, is a featured artist and workshop presenter in the "Who is My Neighbor? Conference & Art Exhibit" - April 25 & 26, 2014 - Grand Rapids, MI.
     
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    Who is My Neighbor? Conference & Art Exhibit
     
    Art & Creativity within Church & Community
    April 25 & 26, 2014 - Grand Rapids, MI
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    Register Now for the "Who is My Neighbor?  Conference & Art Exhibit" - April 25 & 26, 2014 - Hosted by 8 churches in downtown Grand Rapids, MI - Exploring Gods call to "Love your neighbor as yourself" through art, visual theology and the creative voice of the artist. "Who Is My Neighbor Conference & Art Exhibit" - 2 Days, 8 Churches, 7 Denominations, 9 presenters, 11 Artists, 4 plenary addresses, 26 Workshops, 9 Artist Hands-on Workshops, 2 Week Art Exhibit Open to the Public.
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    OVERVIEW   |   ARTISTS   |   PRESENTERS   |   CHURCHES   |   SCHEDULE   |   PROGRAM & WORKSHOPS   |   SPONSORS   |   MAP   |   COST & LODGING
     
     
    Who is My Neighbor?  Program & Workshops
     
     
    2-day Conference & Art Exhibit   |   Fri April 25 & Sat April 26, 2014
     
    Each Morning:      Opening Service & 2 Plenary Addresses - all attend
    at Catholic Information Center
    Each Afternoon:   Workshops - Choose 3 for Friday & 2 for Saturday
    held throughout the 8 host churches
    Each Evening:      Special Events & Presentations - all attend
    at Catholic Information Center
     
     
     
    REVIEW the program below - CHOOSE your workshops - CLICK "Register Now" to register
     
    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
    Friday - April 25, 2014
    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     
    7:30 - 8:30am    Check In - Catholic Information Center
     
    8:30 - 10:00am - Catholic Information Center
     
    Opening Service
    Welcome from Neighborhood Clergy & Presentation by the Artists
     
    Plenary Address 1
     
    Art in Life – Art in Action    Nicholas Wolterstorff
     
    10:00 - 10:30am    Coffee, Tea + Refreshment Break
     
    10:30 - 11:30am
     
    Plenary Address 2
     
    The Second Line - Art as a Catalyst for Change    Steve Prince
     
    11:30am - 1:00pm Lunch - included with registration
     
     
    FRIDAY
    1:00 - 2:00pm
    Workshop A
    Choose 1 workshop - one hour long
     
    Workshops are held in the 8 host churches. Locations noted in red for each workshop.
     
    Art, Aesthetics & Visual Theology
     
    A1: The Art & Legacy of Corita Kent    Cecilia González-Andrieu, John Swanson, Tim Botts, Janaan Manternach
    CIC
    An all-start cast reflects on the unique influence Sister Corita Kent has had on each of their creative careers. As Corita explored themes of peace, social justice and civil rights, she showed artists how their vision can become a force for social and spiritual change. Through her unique teaching style, Corita inspired many artists and Christians to look at life creatively through eyes of faith. This workshop celebrates the legacy of Sister Corita's life in art. Also offered Sat A1
     
    A2: Art Re-Thought    Nicholas Wolterstorff
    CIC
    Nicholas Wolterstorff's Calvinist vision of vigorous practical and intellectual Christian cultural engagement serves as his foundation and inspiration. He writes about ethics, metaphysics and epistemology as well as politics, education and justice. But art is one of his favorite recurrent themes. He is currently working on a new book called Art Re-Thought where he shares his reflections on art, artists and aesthetics from a lifetime of thinking about art. Join him as he re-thinks his past perspectives on art, Christian aesthetics and the creative voice of the artist. Also offered Sat A2
     
    A3: Beauty as a Pathway to God    Martin Erspamer, OSB
    CIC
    Brother Martin shares the Benedictine vison of beauty as a pathway to God. He explores how beauty in nature and art reveals God's presence and action in the world and examines the strength and power of religious art and architecture through the ages.
     
    A4: Iconography - A Creative Vision of the Spiritual World    Athanasios Clark
    St George
    The Tradition of the Orthodox Church is expressed not only though words, or through the actions and gestures used in worship, but also through the art of the Holy Icons. An icon is not simply a religious picture designed to arouse emotions in the beholder; it is one of the ways whereby God is revealed to us. Through icons the Orthodox Christian receives a vision of the spiritual world. Tom shares his creative vision of this spiritual world through his insights and experiences as an Orthodox iconographer.
     
    The Voice of the Artist
     
    A5: Katrina Suite: Take Me to the Water    Steve Prince
    Westminster
    The Katrina Suite is a body of work Steve created in response to the hurricane in his hometown of New Orleans. The Katrina Suit takes 3 parts; it mourns the devastation, works its way through recovery to eventually find rebirth and renewal. The Katrina Suite and Second Line: The Art of Witness - Steve Prince's Katrina Suite written by Beth McCoy, were recently featured in Image Journal #79. Each of his pieces holds a story, a truth that must be told. In this workshop Steve tells that story. Also offered Sat A5
     
    A6: Puertas Abiertas – Open Doors    Sergio Gomez
    Westminster
    In the paintings of Sergio Gomez, Cecilia González-Andrieu points out that, "the door is suggested merely by its absence. The figure inhabits our world and, standing at this doorway, is implicitly about to become a part of it... we have stopped at an open door, and we are now in relationship with the ones on the other side." Sergio's art explores that relationship with the "ones" on the "other side" and invites us to discover and celebrate the beauty in the other. This workshop examines how art and creativity can "open doors" to each other; breaking boundaries, promoting understanding and enriching our spiritual and cultural lives. Also offered Sat A6
     
    A7: Passing the Colors – Engaging Visual Culture    Chris Stoffel Overvoorde
    Grace
    Passing the Colors is the title of Chris Overvoorde's engaging auto-biography and it's become a phrase that embodies his life as an artist, teacher and Christian. He shares his artistic journey from his early days as a metal worker in the shipyards of Rotterdam to the years he spent passing on his artistic vision at Calvin College. Chris offers an intimate look at the formative role of art in a person's life reflecting on his life as teacher, printmaker, painter, and liturgical artist. And in Passing the Colors he challenges you, his fellow Christians, to engage the arts in new and creative ways.
     
    Art in the Church & Community
     
    A8: Exploring Our Liturgical Tradition in Fiber & Fabric    Linda Witte Henke
    LaGrave
    Linda Witte Henke is an ordained Lutheran minister who has been exploring the images or our Christian liturgical traditions through her textile art for many years. She shows how our rich history of Christian symbols and religious images can be transformed into visual inspirations for contemporary liturgical art. Share in her unique vision for fiber and fabric art and become a creative force for contemporary liturgical art in our churches today.
     
    A9: Creative Art for Contemporary Worship    Betsy Steele Halstead
    First United
    Worship leaders are well aware of the pervasive use of projection media for songs, prayers, litanies, and art in our worship services. There seems, however, to be little discussion to guide us in its thoughtful and effective use. In this workshop Betsy explores best projectionpractices that serve to enable the full, conscious, and active participation of the people. We'll also review resources for creative and meaningful religious art. Also offered Fri C9 & Sat A9
     
     
     
    FRIDAY
    2:30 - 3:30pm
    Workshop B
    Choose 1 workshop - one hour long
     
    Art, Aesthetics & Visual Theology
     
    B1: Asombrados – Art as a Gospel of Beauty    Cecilia González-Andrieu
    CIC
    "Wonder" is an essential theme in the writings of Cecilia González-Andrieu. Translated into Spainish, "wonder" becomes asombro. Cecilia explains, "When someone is asombro, they understand something spiritual has acted on them and they respond; they become wonder-filled beings. They have been humbled and no longer cling to the illusion of control but take on a wonder-filled response." Cecilia shares the ideas in her new book and explains how we can become asombrados, using creativity as a bridge to wonder and art as a Gospel of beauty for all the world to see. Also offered Sat B1
     
    B2: The Art of John August Swanson    Presentation by Janaan Manternach
    CIC
    Janaan and John are very close friends. Janaan takes you on a wonder-filled journey into the Art of John Swanson. She explores John's creative, spiritual vision and guides you through his uniquely narrative art. After her lecture, Janaan will interview John and they'll both be available for questions and further conversation.
     
    B3: Worship, Beauty, Justice & Shalom    Nicholas Wolterstorff
    CIC
    In a recent essay on "Beauty & Justice" Nick shares his realization that, "what unites love of understanding, worship, beauty, and justice is that these are all dimensions of shalom. In shalom, understanding has replaced bewilderment, worship of God has replaced enmity, aesthetic delight has replaced revulsion, justice has replaced injustice." Join Nick as he explores the important relationship between liturgy, beauty, justice and shalom and its influence on how we worship in our churches and engage in the cultural lives of our communities.
     
    The Voice of the Artist
     
    B4: Glimpses & Destellos – A Vision for Art & Justice    Sergio Gomez
    Westminster
    A destello is the glimmer of the fullness of a heart as it fills up with God. Cecilia González-Andrieu feels Sergio's art is soul-filled art and offers us glimplse into the spirit of God's presence. "Through his art Sergio Gomez tells a community's story, raises a cry of pain, mediates a vision of hope and points with care and reverence toward that eternal Other. His art has our shared plight of suffering, of searching and of triumph at its center." Sergio shares his creative world of "Glimpses & Destellos" and explores his unique vision for building community through art, faith and justice. Also offered Fri C2
     
    B5: Portraits of the Word - Biblical Calligraphy    Timothy R. Botts
    Bethlehem
    "As one who reveres the Holy Bible as God's words, calligraphy becomes a natural link between art and spirituality." These words by Tim Botts reflect his life long romance between God's Word and the painted words he creates through his calligraphy. Tim uses his creative vision to explore the meaning of the Word through the visceral act of calligraphy. In his workshop Tim shows how the art of calligraphy becomes a biblical & spiritual meditation for the body, mind, heart and soul.
     
    Art in the Church & Community
     
    B7: Art, Our Neighbor & the Benedictine Way    Martin Erspamer, OSB
    CIC
    In a Benedictine prayer we ask God to, "Help me to see and serve you in my neighbor and to miss no opportunity of doing good in your name." Benedict's call is to not simply to see Christ in our neighbor but to treat our neighbor as Christ. Art becomes a way to hear the voice of God in one another and a guide to help us "love our neighbor as ourselves." Also offered Fri C5
     
    B8: Creating Liturgically Purposed Art for the Church    Linda Witte Henke
    Bethlehem
    Linda Witte Henke combines her vast knowledge of liturgical design with her contemporary, creative vision, and creates art that becomes a very meaningful compliment within worship. She will be featuring her newest body of figurative work "Re-Membered: 13 Textile Portraits of Women from the Bible". Linda will also show her beautiful "purposed art" for use in the church, including stolls, vestments, paramounts and banners. Look, listen and learn about how art can complement the celebration of the sacraments in your church.
     
    B11: Building Bridges with Art    Carolyn Elaine
    CIC
    CANCELED
     
    B12: Re-Visioning Community thru Art – A Multi-Cultural View    Jo-Ann VanReeuwyk
    First United
    In June 2013, Jo-Ann was part of a team of ten North American and ten Southern African artists who gathered for a two-week seminar and studio event in South Africa engaging the artists struggle with what they call "R5: Remembrance, Resistance, Reconciliation, Representation and Re-visioning." The artists' creative responses will become a traveling exhibit. In 2008 Jo-Ann was part of "Charis: Boundary Crossings," a multi-cultural art experience in Indonesia. Jo-Ann shares her experiences and explores how art helps form multiple perspectives and enables us to identify and express issues that are common to us all. Also offered Fri C12
     
     
     
    FRIDAY
    4:00 - 5:00pm
    Workshop C
    Choose 1 workshop - one hour long.
     
    The Voice of the Artist
     
    C1: Covenant of Love – Old Testament Made New    Steve Prince
    Westminster
    Covenant of Love - Old Testament Made New was a recent exhibit that explores Steve Prince's perennial themes of community conveyed as covenantal love and grace, growth and renewal. He sees his art as tools to battle the social issues of violence, racism and social injustice. He comments that, "there's a lot of things we haven't dealt with in our soul, so I like to deal with them in my artwork." In this workshop Steve shows how he deals with those issues through his art and faith.
     
    C2: Glimpses & Destellos – A Vision for Art & Justice    Sergio Gomez
    Westminster
    A destello is the glimmer of the fullness of a heart as it fills up with God. Cecilia González-Andrieu feels Sergio's art is soul-filled art and offers us glimplse into the spirit of God's presence. "Through his art Sergio Gomez tells a community's story, raises a cry of pain, mediates a vision of hope and points with care and reverence toward that eternal Other. His art has our shared plight of suffering, of searching and of triumph at its center." Sergio shares his creative world of "Glimpses & Destellos" and explores his unique vision for building community through art, faith and justice. Also offered Fri B5
     
    C3: Bound for Glory: Calligraphy Celebrating Gospel Songs    Timothy R. Botts
    Bethlehem
    In his new book, Bound for Glory, Tim Botts features 52 new calligraphic paintings that are visual interpretations — in words & pictures — of African American spiritual songs. He sought to, "honor the persevering faith of the African-American people as they worshiped God through hymns and songs." Tim reflects on the spiritual insights he's gained and shares the artistic lessons he's learned in creating this powerful and inspirational group of Gospel paintings.
     
    C4: Art of the Icon - Reflections by a Working Iconographer    Athanasios Clark
    St George
    The Tradition of the Orthodox Church is expressed not only though words, or through the actions and gestures used in worship, but also through the art of the Holy Icons. An icon is not simply a religious picture designed to arouse emotions in the beholder; it is one of the ways whereby God is revealed to us. Through icons the Orthodox Christian receives a vision of the spiritual world. Tom shares his creative vision of this spiritual world through his insights and experiences as an Orthodox iconographer.
     
    Art in the Church & Community
     
    C5: Art, Our Neighbor & the Benedictine Way    Martin Erspamer, OSB
    CIC
    In a Benedictine prayer we ask God to, "Help me to see and serve you in my neighbor and to miss no opportunity of doing good in your name." Benedict's call is to not simply to see Christ in our neighbor but to treat our neighbor as Christ. Art becomes a way to hear the voice of God in one another and a guide to help us "love our neighbor as ourselves." Also offered Fri B8
     
    C7: Liturgical Art for Your Neighborhood Church    Chris Stoffel Overvoorde
    Grace
    The combination of Chris Overvoorde's artistic talents and his keen interest in visual theology generated his unique vision for liturgical art. Chris has been creating liturgical art at Grace CRC for over 30 years. He has re-designed worship spaces for many churches and his liturgical art is featured at this year's Calvin Symposium on Worship. Chris shares his vision for liturgical art, shows examples of his designs and offers guidance to those exploring the liturgical arts in their neighborhood churches.
     
    C8: Creative Use of Art in Spiritual Care    Rev. Karl VanHarn & Pine Rest Pastoral Staff
    First United
    Art can integrate our physical and spiritual experiences in surprising ways. It can express, and help us express, realities in our lives that are difficult to put into words. We will show how we as Chaplains use art with children, adolescents, and adults for their spiritual care and growth. Participants will be invited to discuss and share ideas. Karl will share his Pastoral Advent Meditations based on the art of John Swanson. Also offered Fri Sat B3
     
    C9: Creative Art for Contemporary Worship    Betsy Steele Halstead
    First United
    Worship leaders are well aware of the pervasive use of projection media for songs, prayers, litanies, and art in our worship services. There seems, however, to be little discussion to guide us in its thoughtful and effective use. In this workshop Betsy explores best projectionpractices that serve to enable the full, conscious, and active participation of the people. We'll also review resources for creative and meaningful religious art. Also offered Fri A9, Sat A9
     
    C10: Running a Church Gallery – Panel Discussion   Vange Van Heusen, David Bosscher, Eric Strand
    First United
    Running a gallery in a church presents many unique challenges. Vange Van Heusen will share her experiences from curating exhibits at the Atrium Gallery at Second CRC in Grand Haven for 10 years. David Bosscher, from Second Reformed Church in Zeeland will show how art can be used to reach out and engage your community. And Eric Strand, from First United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids, will offer his insights from running "Celebration," an annual relgious based community art exhibit his church has hosted for over 30 years. Also offered Sat B5
     
    C11: Building Bridges with Art    Carolyn Elaine
    CIC
    CANCELED
     
    C12: Re-Visioning Community thru Art - A Multi-Cultural View    Jo-Ann VanReeuwyk
    First United
    In June 2013, Jo-Ann was part of a team of ten North American and ten Southern African artists who gathered for a two-week seminar and studio event in South Africa engaging the artists struggle with what they call "R5: Remembrance, Resistance, Reconciliation, Representation and Re-visioning." The artists' creative responses will become a traveling exhibit. In 2008 Jo-Ann was part of "Charis: Boundary Crossings," a multi-cultural art experience in Indonesia. Jo-Ann shares her experiences and explores how art helps form multiple perspectives and enables us to identify and express issues that are common to us all. Also Offered Fri A9
     
     
    FRIDAY
     
    5:00 - 7:00pm Dinner - Explore Dining Downtown Grand Rapids
     
    7:00 - 10:00pmSpecial Evening Event at Catholic Information Center
     
    Until Justice & Peace Embrace
    Cecilia Gonzalez-Andrieu & Nicholas Wolterstorff
    A Catholic - Calvinist Conversation
     
     
    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
    Saturday - April 26, 2014
    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     
    7:30 - 8:30am    Check In at Catholic Information Center
     
    8:30 - 10:00am
     
    Opening Service at Catholic Information Center
    Read by the Artists & Presenters
     
    Plenary Address 3
     
    Who Is My Neighbor? Art as a Bridge to Each Other
    Cecilia González-Andrieu
     
    10:00 - 10:30am    Coffee, Tea + Refreshment Break
     
    10:30 - 11:30am
     
    Plenary Address 4
     
    Sharing Our Stories - The Art of John August Swanson
    John August Swanson with Cecilia González-Andrieu
     
    11:30am - 1:00pm Lunch - included with registration
     
     
    SATURDAY
    1:00 - 2:00pm
    Workshop A
    Choose 1 workshop - one hour long
     
    Art, Aesthetics & Visual Theology
     
    A1: The Art & Legacy of Corita Kent    Cecilia González-Andrieu, John Swanson, Tim Botts, Janaan Manternach
    CIC
    An all-start cast reflects on the unique influence Sister Corita Kent has had on each of their creative careers. As Corita explored themes of peace, social justice and civil rights, she showed artists how their vision can become a force for social and spiritual change. Through her unique teaching style, Corita inspired many artists and Christians to look at life creatively through eyes of faith. This workshop celebrates the legacy of Sister Corita's life in art. Also offered Fri A1
     
    A2: Art Re-Thought    Nicholas Wolterstorff
    CIC
    Nicholas Wolterstorff's Calvinist vision of vigorous practical and intellectual Christian cultural engagement serves as his foundation and inspiration. He writes about ethics, metaphysics and epistemology as well as politics, education and justice. But art is one of his favorite recurrent themes. He is currently working on a new book called Art Re-Thought where he shares his reflections on art, artists and aesthetics from a lifetime of thinking about art. Join him as he re-thinks his past perspectives on art, Christian aesthetics and the creative voice of the artist. Also offered Fri A2
     
    A3: Beauty as a Pathway to God    Martin Erspamer, OSB
    CIC
    Brother Martin shares the Benedictine vison of beauty as a pathway to God. He explores how beauty in nature and art reveals God's presence and action in the world and examines the strength and power of religious art and architecture through the ages. Also offered Fri A3
     
    The Voice of the Artist
     
    A5: Katrina Suite: Take Me to the Water    Steve Prince
    Westminster
    The Katrina Suite is a body of work Steve created in response to the hurricane in his hometown of New Orleans. The Katrina Suit takes 3 parts; it mourns the devastation, works its way through recovery to eventually find rebirth and renewal. The Katrina Suite and Second Line: The Art of Witness - Steve Prince's Katrina Suite written by Beth McCoy, were recently featured in Image Journal #79. Each of his pieces holds a story, a truth that must be told. In this workshop Steve tells that story. Also offered Fri A5
     
    A6: Puertas Abiertas – Open Doors    Sergio Gomez
    Westminster
    In the paintings of Sergio Gomez, Cecilia González-Andrieu points out that, "the door is suggested merely by its absence. The figure inhabits our world and, standing at this doorway, is implicitly about to become a part of it... we have stopped at an open door, and we are now in relationship with the ones on the other side." Sergio's art explores that relationship with the "ones" on the "other side" and invites us to discover and celebrate the beauty in the other. This workshop examines how art and creativity can "open doors" to each other; breaking boundaries, promoting understanding and enriching our spiritual and cultural lives. Also offered Fri A6
     
    A7: Passing the Colors – Engaging Visual Culture    Chris Stoffel Overvoorde
    CIC
    Passing the Colors is the title of Chris Overvoorde's engaging auto-biography and it's become a phrase that embodies his life as an artist, teacher and Christian. He shares his artistic journey from his early days as a metal worker in the shipyards of Rotterdam to the years he spent passing on his artistic vision at Calvin College. Chris offers an intimate look at the formative role of art in a person's life reflecting on his life as teacher, printmaker, painter, and liturgical artist. And in Passing the Colors he challenges you, his fellow Christians, to engage the arts in new and creative ways. Also offered Fri A7
     
    Art in the Church & Community
     
    A9: Creative Art for Contemporary Worship    Betsy Steele Halstead
    First United
    Worship leaders are well aware of the pervasive use of projection media for songs, prayers, litanies, and art in our worship services. There seems, however, to be little discussion to guide us in its thoughtful and effective use. In this workshop Betsy explores best projectionpractices that serve to enable the full, conscious, and active participation of the people. We'll also review resources for creative and meaningful religious art. Also offered Fri A9 & C9
     
    A11: Engaging Students in the Creative Process    Carolyn Elaine
    CIC
    CANCELED
     
    A12: Art in Education – A Visual Approach    Jo-Ann VanReeuwyk
    First United
    Jo-Ann VanReeuwyk is a champion for art in education. She believes that teaching art is a way to foster higher-level thinking skills in students of any age. "The arts teach problem-solving, risk-taking, creative thinking, collaborative thinking & innovative thinking. The arts help students make sense of the world as it nourishes their emotive side and develops their cognitive abilities." Jo-Ann explores these ideas and more through her unique visual approach to art education in our K-12 schools. Her students know her by her mantra: "You can't be a whole person unless you incorporate the arts into your life in some way."
     
     
     
    SATURDAY
    Choose 1 Workshop - Either Workshop B or Artist Workshop BC
     
    Workshop B   or   Artist Workshop BC
    2:30 - 3:30pm           2:30 - 5:00 pm
     
    (one hour long)            (2.5 hours long)
     
     
    2:30 - 3:30pm
    Workshop B
    One hour long
     
    Art, Aesthetics & Visual Theology
     
    B1: Asombrados – Art as a Gospel of Beauty    Cecilia González-Andrieu
    CIC
    "Wonder" is an essential theme in the writings of Cecilia González-Andrieu. Translated into Spainish, "wonder" becomes asombro. Cecilia explains, "When someone is asombro, they understand something spiritual has acted on them and they respond; they become wonder-filled beings. They have been humbled and no longer cling to the illusion of control but take on a wonder-filled response." Cecilia shares the ideas in her new book and explains how we can become asombrados, using creativity as a bridge to wonder and art as a Gospel of beauty for all the world to see. Also offered Fri B1
     
    B2: The Art of John August Swanson  -  Artist-Walk with John Swanson
    CIC
    John Swansons work reflects his wonderful gift of storytelling and his unique ability to "bring stories to life." He holds up the values of our community and retells our sacred stories reconnecting us with our shared cultural values. John is a master printmaker whose medium is the serigraph, a complex form of silk-screen that uses 40-80 color stencil overlays to print these intricate serigraphs. His imaginative vision and masterful printing create a narrative art that visually "tells the story" in a truly beautiful way. Join John on a conversational walk through his art at the exhibit.
     
    Art in the Church & Community
     
    B3: Creative Use of Art in Spiritual Care    Rev. Karl VanHarn & Pine Rest Pastoral Staff
    First United
    Art can integrate our physical and spiritual experiences in surprising ways. It can express, and help us express, realities in our lives that are difficult to put into words. We will show how we as Chaplains use art with children, adolescents, and adults for their spiritual care and growth. Participants will be invited to discuss and share ideas. Karl will share his Pastoral Advent Meditations based on the art of John Swanson. Also offered Fri C8
     
    B5: Running a Church Gallery – Panel Discussion   Vange Van Heusen, David Bosscher, Eric Strand
    First United
    Running a gallery in a church presents many unique challenges. Vange Van Heusen will share her experiences from curating exhibits at the Atrium Gallery at Second CRC in Grand Haven for 10 years. David Bosscher, from Second Reformed Church in Zeeland will show how art can be used to reach out and engage your community. And Eric Strand, from First United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids, will offer his insights from running "Celebration," an annual relgious based community art exhibit his church has hosted for over 30 years. Also offered Fri C10
     
    SATURDAY
    2:30 - 5:00pm
    Artist Workshop BC
    2.5 hours long
     
    Hands-on Workshops with Artists
     
    BC1: Monoprints: A Christian Vision for a Contemporary World    Steve Prince
    Kendall College of Art & Design
    "As an artist, I believe that I was called to use my art for Kingdom building, so my work is dedicated to housing the truths of the scripture and utilizing them as a tool to grapple with and challenge the various societal issues that plague us as a people." It is Steve Prince's faith that calls him to be an artist. His work is an unending exploration of that faith and its relationship to his life, his culture and his community. This is a hands-on workshop using the tools and materials of printmaking to explore and share Steve's Christian vision for the contemporary world we live in.
     
    BC2: Paintings of Hope – A Spiritual Vision in Pigment    Sergio Gomez
    Westminster
    To Cecilia González-Andrieu, "The beauty of Sergio Gomez' work helps us see what is at stake when we are faced with the ethical choice between loving our vulnerable neighbor, turning away in fear, or worse, adding to their suffering. He invites us to discover the beauty in the other. Celebrating what is beautiful in others fosters their dignity, undoes artifical boundaries and opens us up to each other in unexpected ways." This is a hands-on painting workshop where Sergio uses the materials of canvas, paper, brush, and pigment to explore a spiritual vision founded in "loving our neighbor" and celebrating what is beautiful in each other.
     
    BC3: The Work of Our Hands - The Art of Paper Cutting    Martin Erspamer, OSB
    CIC
    As an artist, Brother Martin works in printmaking, illustration, painting, ceramics and stained glass. But the medium he has used the most throughout his long career as a liturgical artist is the art of the paper-cut. Join Brother Martin as he guides you in the intricacies of cutting paper and uses this unique art form to explore the sacred signs and symbols created throughout the history of the Christian church. It provides a wonderful way to create black and white liturgical images for use in worship, ministry & education.
     
    BC4: Expressive Calligraphy: Uniting Word and Image    Timothy R. Botts
    Bethlehem
    In his calligraphy, Tim Botts interweaves the background, text and image so that they become one. He is always trying to strike a balance between visual expression and a degree of legibility with the goal of giving a face to that which is spirit. This workshop is an extended exploration into the process of uniting word and image into one. Tim uses the very physical act of calligraphy to generate new insight into the meaning of the image and the spirit of the Word.
     
    BC5: Transforming Worship Space – Affordably & Creatively    Chris Stoffel Overvoorde
    Grace
    Chris Overvoorde is a master at transforming worship space. He has combined his prodigious talents as an artist, printmaker, painter, and graphic designer with his lifelong interest in visual theology to produce a unique vision for liturgical art. This is a hands-on workshop where Chris shares his inspired vision for the liturgical arts generated from years of experience working within the church. He will explore ways to transform worship spaces that are both affordable and creative and show how art and imagination can change an empty room turning it into a holy, sacred space for worship.
     
    BC6: A New Vision for Textile Art in the Church    Linda Witte Henke
    LaGrave
    Linda Witte Henke has a contemporary, new vision for the role of textile and fiber art in the church. She shares her insights and "excavations" into the visual, liturgical traditions of the church and explores them in a fresh, original way. In this extended hands-on workshop Linda examines the process of creating banners and textile art, from inspiration and idea, to materials and execution. Join Linda and become part of her unique, new vision for art in the church.
     
    BC7: A Broken Beauty – The Communal Art of Mosaic    Carolyn Elaine
    CIC
    CANCELED
     
    BC8: Engaging Worship through Our Five Senses    Jo-Ann VanReeuwyk
    First United
    This sessions will be focused on objects, textures, sounds and aromas that surround us and that can aide us in our prayers and our meditation on His word. God gives us glimmers of the sacred in our everyday. The small rocks we collect, the pods and buds that we marvel at, the texture and colors of the rice we cook – all are examples of God's goodness that He speaks to us about every day. Come to this session to experience, pray and talk about, even embellish our every day sights and sounds so that they can become reminders for us. He calls us to pay attention.
     
    BC9: Art & Theology of Orthodox Iconography   Athanasios Clark, Nicholas Wolterstorff, Themis Fotieo
    Holy Trinity
    To the Orthodox Christian the art iconography is not simply religious, but is very theological as well. Its themes are not just related to religious history, but are organized according to the Theology of the Orthodox Church. Orthodox Churches are filled with not just images of the passion, but with art depicting the life of our Lord; the Theotokos; the Saints, the Evangelists; and the angelic powers. Iconography has attempted to make understandable the sublime content of the Divine Liturgy and especially the liturgical act of the Holy Eucharist. This workshop will feature Orthodox iconographer Tom Clark, Orthodox spokesman Themis Fotieo and Calvinist philosopher & theologian Nicholas Wolterstorf in an extended discussion that explores the art and theology of the orthodox tradition within the beautiful sanctuary of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.
     
     
    SATURDAY
     
    5:00 - 7:00pm Dinner - Explore Dining Downtown Grand Rapids
     
    7:00 - 8:30pmConference Finale at Catholic Information Center
    Sharing the Vision - Panel Discussion
    Artists & Presenters Reflections on Who is My Neighbor?
     
    Sergio Gomez & Steve Prince - Live Performance Drawing
    Sergio & Steve create 6' x 16' drawing inspired by Who is My Neighbor? Conference
    They begin drawing at seperate ends and continue until they meet in the middle.
     
    8:30 - 10:30pmThe Artists Ball
    Join the Artists for a time of fun & fellowship!
    Live Music - Cash Bar - Creative Conversations
     
     
     
    Partnering together to bring you the Who Is My Neighbor? Conference & Art Exhibit
     
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  • Eyekons, one of the hosts of the "Who is My Neighbor? Conference & Art Exhibit - April 25 & 26, 2014 - Grand Rapids, MI.
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    Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, one of the hosts of the "Who is My Neighbor? Conference & Art Exhibit - April 25 & 26, 2014 - Grand Rapids, MI.
  • CIVA - Christians in the Visual Arts, one of the hosts of the "Who is My Neighbor? Conference & Art Exhibit - April 25 & 26, 2014 - Grand Rapids, MI.
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  • Franciscan Life Process Center, sponsor of the Who Is My Neighbor? Conference & Art Exhibit held April 25 & 26, 2014 in Grand Rapids, MI
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    AMDG Architects, one of the hosts of the "Who is My Neighbor? Conference & Art Exhibit - April 25 & 26, 2014 - Grand Rapids, MI.
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    Kendall College of Art & Design, one of the hosts of the "Who is My Neighbor? Conference & Art Exhibit - April 25 & 26, 2014 - Grand Rapids, MI.
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    Dominican Sisters, one of the hosts of the "Who is My Neighbor? Conference & Art Exhibit - April 25 & 26, 2014 - Grand Rapids, MI.
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    Contact Us for More Info:   616-235-2929     ContactUs@eyekons.com