Art is incredibly powerful, or it can be, at its best. Art of all kinds transports us to places and feelings beyond whatever the medium itself may be. This past summer we had the chance to spend a couple of days in Paris and took the girls to the Louvre. They were able to see master works like the Mona Lisa, Venus di Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. They saw the works of masters known and others most of us can’t name. They took in ancient Egyptian art, which can seem almost alien to us in our modern culture. They also noticed the frequency with which religious themes and biblical stories are represented in the works on display.

The Church was, for a long time, the chief source of visual artistic support. Paintings and sculptures were commissioned to capture moments in biblical teachings and portray heroes of the faith. Many adorned worship spaces, while others were used for personal devotion in homes. It was the inspiration and patronage of the Church that kept some artists going and encouraged others. There has long been a relationship between artists and churches, although that has largely waned, apart from musical arts, which are still foundational to modern church communities. 

This is one of the reasons I am excited to spend some time with religious art during Lent. We have some talented artists in our parish and community, and we have beautiful and moving art in our homes. Don’t miss the opportunity to come and see, sit with, and reflect on art as it intersects with our faith. Each week, we will have a different focus. And, you can help us make it successful. Two weeks require input – either your own art, the art of someone you know, or art that you have on your walls. If you have art to contribute, I’d love to hear from you. Art will be on display for a week at a time in the parish hall, with a specific chance to reflect on it with others each Wednesday at 1:00 pm. Here’s the breakdown if you’re interested:

Week of Feb 18:  The religious art of parishioner, Randy Siegel

Week of Feb 25:  The sacred art of icons, showcasing our own Christ Church icon writers

Week of Mar 4:  Sacred art from the collections of our parishioners – ART YOU OWN

Week of Mar 11:  The Stained Glass of Christ Church and St. Ignatius

Week of Mar 18:  Sacred art created by Christ Church parishioners and our friends

Week of Mar 25:  The Stations of the Cross in sacred and local art, featuring some stations created by our young people at Christ Church  

This will be a unique and special opportunity and one we hope to build on in the future. Perhaps Christ Church can reclaim its role as a patron of the arts, openly inviting our members and our community to look at the world with a different sort of eyes, capturing the holy in new and vibrant ways. We do this beautifully with our musical offerings, and there is much we can do with the visual arts, too. I look forward to this Lenten journey, and I hope you’ll join me for at least a portion of it.

Tom+

Bless the creators, O God of creation, who by their gifts make the world a more joyful and beautiful realm. Through their labors they teach us to see more clearly the truth around us. In their inspiration they call forth wonder and awe in our own living. In their hope and vision they remind us that life is holy. Bless all who create in your image, O God of creation. Pour your Spirit upon them that their hearts may sing and their works be fulfilling. Amen.

~ Vienna Cobb Andersen, in Prayer of Our Heart