BELLINGHAM, WA (February 9, 2009) – Bellingham Covenant Church wanted to give members of the congregation a chance to display their artistic talents. So, in October 2008 they launched their first Visual Art Show in the church foyer.
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\n\u201cWe have a very creative congregation and this is a way for them to express themselves,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s campus.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The upcoming show is designed to be more fun and accessible. Parents are encouraged to send in their kids\u2019 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. \u201cIt will show how art changes while you grow older,\u201d Grosskopf explains. The display will start in the next couple of weeks – an exact date has not been selected.<\/p>\n
The Visual Art Shows have received positive feedback, Grosskopf says, and will continue with four to five displays planned each year. \u201cWe are always looking for different ideas,\u201d says Grosskopf.<\/p>\n