BG’s artist group started meeting about twenty years ago after Kathy Free and Christy Sobel led an art history class during Sunday School. They used a book called Christianity and the Visual Arts by Gene Veith. That led to our meeting and discussing what projects we were currently working on and sharing our unique gifts with each other and the church.
We have gone on field trips to listen to artists speak on campus: Makoto Fujimura, and Bruce Herman. We have met together to paint in public spaces: the Commons, Stewart Park, CU gardens. We’ve read fascinating books: Art and the Bible: Two Essays by Francis Schaeffer, A Theology of Making by Makoto Fujimura, and Imagine That: Discovering Your Unique Role as an Artist by Manuel Luzj. We’ve worked with children downstairs during the service and at Kids Camp.
We all have different backgrounds and use a variety of media to communicate, including watercolor, oils, acrylics and pastels, and fabric. Currently we work alongside Pastor Matt and develop artwork to help others visualize the sermon series and explore more deeply the themes of Scripture.
We find encouragement from one another and from the opportunity to express ourselves. Science often studies the unseen in Creation, making it visible through symbols and scopes. Art is a way to see differently that which is true about the Father’s world. It is a gift to have a place to create beauty and see it bring pleasure to the church and ultimately the Lord, and we hope it brings much joy to the body of Christ, as we reflect and worship Him.
Current artists group members: Kathy Free, Kaisa Grohn, Susan Hilliker, Athena Korb, Deborah Miller, Marie Sanderson, and Ruth Walker (Artist Emeritus).
Other contributing artists in recent years:
Nerys Gregory, Sylvia Free, Jennifer Birkett, Lydia Shea.
We welcome others to join us. Contact Kathy Free kfreepainter@hotmail.com if interested or have questions.
