we clothed 40

I've finally found time to report on our Art Auction last weekend.  We raised nearly $3.000 which translates into clothing for 40 children!   I cannot thank all the artists and Go Mission team members and friends that helped to get this event ready enough!  Nothing makes me happier then watching teams form and accomplishments happen when God's people come together behind a mission!

So THANK YOU for helping, and for attending the auction and for purchasing art allowing needy children to have beautiful new clothing!  Here is a peek at the night.

Amazing food by Jackie and friends!

sign in table

Vicki giving out the bid numbers

Julie Kleshinski greeting her guests

to dance

Today I got to spend some time with one of our areas professional dancers. This young man has a heart both for God as well as the arts.

We discussed all things creative with specific focus on the local church and Crossroads' creative needs for Easter - for which I was seeking his help.

I hope this was the beginning of a long, community building relationship as well as a whole new level of excellent art used in the local church. We live in a community that does not embrace 'the arts' as such. But what if we could be part of introducing them to art connected to their heavenly Father? Art that helps describe His magnificence or at least the way we feel about Him? This is an endeavor worth pursuing - and I plan to!

learning new things

I am sure it's got something to do with my age, but lately I "have a hankering" (quote from Deering Dyer) to learn new things!

Tomorrow I get to take a leadership class instructing how to use the Logos program - which will be a resource that will help me to create my small group studies and make sure my writing and Biblical discussion is accurate! I cannot wait to begin using this program!

The next new thing I am considering is taking an art class of some kind. I have been interested for quite a while in cement work (not large items) more like cement bowls and pots - much more practical to get into than creating pottery on a wheel and firing it - even though that's probably my favorite artistic area.

But if I could do anything I wanted to, regardless of the time involved, it would be to write and publish a book. I probably would have to quit my job to ever make that happen - and that's not gonna happen...so...we'll just have to see. Meanwhile I'm going to see if there are just some local writing courses at the branch or on-line!

So...what are you learning? If money or time wasn't an issue what would you do?

results = effort

I am trying to figure out what my contribution can be to our art show that is going up next week...I'm going to try to create something on a canvas totally with spray paints! I know the REAL artists are cringing, or laughing. (You would be too if you saw it...not going so well).

If I am an artist at all, I am definitely not a well prepared, pondering, serious artist - I want it done instantly but well. Yet not willing to invest the time that it takes to develop a talent.

The results = the effort invested. This is true in any kind of art, music, dance, writing, painting, ceramics the results reflect the effort that has been put in to prepare and learn.

Guess I should stick to hanging the show instead of contributing Art!

a new visual arts team is born

I am very excited about my meeting tonight with 2 artists to brainstorm for a new Visual Arts team at Crossroads. This team will actual operate as a small group that will meet each month.

Tonight we will create the Vision and Mission for this team/small group. We will be organizing local artists in our community to provide art displays from time to time. I would also love to host a juried show in 2009. I will also propose an Easter project to begin in January if we can get it organized quickly enough.

I am very excited to invest time in this area of our ministry, the pay off is huge to our ministry. After all Art got it's start in the church - so we are taking it back for the Glory of God!!