“We have a very creative congregation and this is a way for them to express themselves,” says youth pastor Jeff Grosskopf. In addition to the show displays, they have set up a rail/track system on which anyone can hang their pictures or drawings.
Each show has a different theme and everyone is welcome to send in art works. The first one consisted of all black and white photos depicting church life in and around Bellingham’s campus.
Currently, an Advent-themed display is running. It is more abstract, consisting of paintings, drawings and sketches inspired by personal interpretations of the meaning of Advent.
The upcoming show is designed to be more fun and accessible. Parents are encouraged to send in their kids’ works; however, submissions are not limited to kindergarten-type drawings and finger paintings. For example, one congregant has an adult daughter who is an established artist in New York. “It will show how art changes while you grow older,” Grosskopf explains. The display will start in the next couple of weeks – an exact date has not been selected.
The Visual Art Shows have received positive feedback, Grosskopf says, and will continue with four to five displays planned each year. “We are always looking for different ideas,” says Grosskopf.
