How to Start an Arts Ministry in Your Church

Reposted from:
http://jscottmc.wordpress.com/2011/02/01/how-to-start-an-arts-ministry-in-your-church/

How to Start an Arts Ministry in Your Church
February 1, 2011 at 7:05 pm
By J. Scott McElroy and Jessie Nilo

Imagine if the local church became the place in culture to experience beauty, imagination, creativity and transcendence.

It is possible.

Hundreds of years ago churches were, in many ways, centers for these experiences. Somehow, over time we’ve abdicated that role. Now, many churches are moving in that direction again and there’s a growing desire to begin developing creative arts programs. (See Notes 1.)

The arts are inextricably intertwined with our culture. The average person encounters performance, music, design, image and the media arts daily, even hourly. Most churches would like to become more fluent in the use of the arts in order to communicate truths about God more effectively. That’s a worthy goal. He designed the arts to jump over our barriers, slip past our intellect, and penetrate our hearts and souls. But God’s value of the arts goes beyond human thoughts about how they could be “useful.” He values them because He IS beauty and creativity. Whether His beauty and creativity are expressed in nature or through the arts, embracing them enables us to more fully understand His personality and enjoy His presence.

Many in the Church are recognizing that God is now calling us to reclaim the arts and integrate them and artists into our worship and outreaches. But most churches around the world don’t currently have an arts ministry or programs, though there are talented artists in their congregations. If God has been nudging you, speaking to you about incorporating the arts into your church, here are a few thoughts on how to get started. Part One offers tips for Pastors and Leaders, Part Two for Artists.

Part One: For PASTORS AND LEADERS who want to start an arts ministry, program or outreach at their church.

1. Start praying now about what God wants to do with the arts at your church. Just as pastors have specific messages from God for their congregations at specific times in history, so it is with the artists He has planted in your congregation. As you train them to hear God’s voice they will bring powerful messages that enhance what He is doing in your congregation. Read a book like Finding Divine Inspiration or Heart of the Artist to better understand how to disciple and encourage artists. The arts have endless applications in ministry. They can enhance worship, illustrate or enhance ideas and concepts, stir emotions, add beauty, enliven outreach and intuitively communicate God’s messages. (See Notes 2 for ideas.) Ask God to give you a vision for what He wants to do through the arts in your church.

2. Pray for the right person to lead your artists. You want an arts ministry to develop naturally, in God’s timing and to not be forced. Arts leaders can be difficult to find. Your ideal arts leader will need to be a mix of pastor and administrator. Their pastoral tendencies will be important to shepherd, encourage and understand the artists, and thier administrative skills will help with the follow-through that artists and artistic projects need. It’s helpful if the leader has artistic talent, but not necessary as long as they understand the creative temperament. Make a commitment to disciple this person; they will be a huge asset to you and your church. (See Notes 3).

3. Invite Artists to meet and pray. Put a notice in the bulletin inviting interested artists and creative types to meet at the church or a nearby coffeehouse to pray and talk about possibly starting an arts ministry. Use the time to gather contact information and circulate a survey. (See Notes 4 for survey). Share the vision God has given you for the arts in your church. You might also take some time during the meeting to brainstorm and listen to God together, asking Him how you can collaborate with Him through the arts to bring His messages to your congregation. (See Notes 5).

4. Understand where they are coming from. Many artists have been offended by the church or Christians. Just spending time with them will help heal that. You will bless them immensely if you take the time to pray for each of them individually at some point during the meeting. As these artists flourish, your congregation will flourish.

5. Later, when you have an Arts Leader, have them call a meeting–which you attend–to talk about specific arts project you and they want to do. Your attendance will help commission them and clarify direction. NOTE: It is important to meet at least occasionally with your arts leadership. Discuss difficulties, challenges and dreams they have. Give them a list of dates, topics or services you’d like to see the arts integrated into. MAKE SURE you’ve spent time listening to them first. If you give them ideas first they may be overloaded. Help them to set up a plan for discipling the artists in their care. Let them know you and the church stand behind them.

Part Two: For ARTISTS who want to start an arts ministry, program or outreach at their church.

1. Start praying now for God’s guidance. First, it’s important to take some time to pray through what role God would have you play in starting or facilitating an arts ministry. You want to ask Him to check your motives, prepare your heart and confirm if He is calling you to step out and initiate or lead. Ask someone else to pray with you about integrating the arts in your church, and for God to open the doors. You want this to happen naturally, in God’s timing and to not be forced. (See Notes 6 for prayer inspiration and direction).

2. Talk with someone in leadership about integrating the arts into your church. Get some input from leadership. Your Senior Pastor may or may not be the person to approach to start this dialogue; it may be the Worship Pastor or maybe an elder who “gets” you. Many churches are somewhat entrenched in the “way we always do things,” so you need to be patient, respectful, and trustworthy in your approach. If your church is more open to the arts, explore where leadership would like to go with the arts in the future. Ask for dates when arts projects would fit in to services. Get permission to hold a meeting for artists, if that seems to be the next step.

3. Invite Artists to meet and pray. See if you can put a notice in the church bulletin inviting interested artists and creative types to meet at the church or a nearby coffeehouse to pray and talk about what integrating the arts into your church might look like. Use the time to pray, get to know each other, talk about possibly starting an arts ministry, gather contact information and circulate a survey. (See Notes 4 for survey). Talk about tentative dates for another meeting, possibly a repeating time once a month or once a quarter. Try to make future meetings a time to connect and be authentic with other artists. Pray for needs, for healing, for projects, for commissioning. Maybe anoint each person with oil, if you do that kind of thing, or have everyone place their hands on the person being prayed for. Foster connection! If you have a large group, break up into groups of 4 people or so.

4. Pray about a project or idea you might suggest during the meeting. It’s a good thing to give people something to do after you get them excited. There are many project ideas that can get your artists, the congregation and leadership involved. (See Notes 7 for ideas). If you have someone who can hold a workshop on an area of the arts, see if there is interest in that. You might also take some time during the meeting to brainstorm and listen to God together, asking Him how you can collaborate with Him in the arts. (See Notes 5).

Starting an arts ministry in your church can be a challenging process, but under the guidance of the Holy Spirit it may become one of the richest and most enjoyable ministries your congregation has.
When the arts and artists begin to integrate into a church, that congregation becomes more complete and mature because the Body of Christ is operating as it should, with each part and gift building up the other. (Romans 12:4-6) (See Notes 8).

There is a renewal of the arts– a New Renaissance—that God is activating at this time in history. He wants to restore beauty, creativity, imagination and transcendence to their intended purpose, His glory. A reintegration of the arts into the Church and infusion of spiritually inspired art into the culture is underway and God is inviting you and your church to take your place in it.

Notes:
See a growing list of churches with Arts Ministries at http://TheNewR.org under, “The Arts in Your Church” , “Church Arts Ministries”
For more information, ideas and resources go to The New Renaissance Rising at http://TheNewR.org.
Revolutionary Leadership by Tri Robinson is a good book to read and pass on to arts leaders. See this article: Embracing the Arts in the Church: Pt. 2 for ideas on how to integrate the arts and maintain a standard of quality.
Arts Survey available at http://TheNewR.org in “Materials and Ideas”.
See the book Finding Divine Inspiration (http://FindingDivineInspiration.com) for more on leading artists to hear God’s voice.
“Prayers for the New Renaissance” provided at http://TheNewR.org in “Material and Ideas”.
See “Materials and Ideas” at http://TheNewR.org.
See this article, “The Arts and the Maturity of the Church”.

J. Scott McElroy is Founder and Director of The New Renaissance Rising, the author of Finding Divine Inspiration: Working with the Holy Spirit in Your Creativity (Destiny Image) and Director of Arts at Vineyard Community Church, Indianapolis, IN. He blogs at http://jscottmc.wordpress.com. Reach him at: Scott@TheNewR.org.

Jessie Nilo is Director of Church-Artist Connections for The New Renaissance Rising, Founder and Director of VineArts, the arts ministry of Vineyard Boise Church. VineArts operates with a team of 13 leaders that facilitates arts workshops, mission trips, outreach, studies, a gallery and more. Their permanent studio is open weekly and provides space for the visual arts, writing, culinary arts, film, and design. Reach Jessie at : Jessie@TheNewR.org.

LUX & VineArts Partnership

The owners of the LUX Fashion Lounge have partnered with the leadership of VineArts to showcase VineArts artists in their stores. They have 2 locations. One is downtown Boise (on Idaho St.) and one is downtown Eagle (on old State St.)





VineArts leaders: Myself, Jessie Nilo, and Alyee Willets have all had solo art shows at the Boise LUX location over the past 9 months. And now we get the opportunity to showcase various artists who have displayed in our VineArts Gallery.





When we take a VineArts exhibit down from the our VineArts Gallery, to prepare for another exhibit installation, the owners of LUX will choose some selected works from the previous show to display in their 2 store locations for a month.






Our VineArts Gallery exhibits are juried and themed...and we usually get around 30-40 artists submitting (professional, emerging, and amateur, all ages) anywhere from 40-60 pieces of artwork (2D & 3D, all various mediums).





This partnership with LUX opens up opportunities for local artists to get more exposure in the Treasure Valley community and gives LUX the benefit of displaying local artwork within their stores, drawing in more people.



The month of February 2011 is our first joint exhibit.
You're invited to kick it off with us...

First Thursday in Boise: Opening Night 7pm at LUX downtown Boise
featuring 3 VineArts artists

First Friday in Eagle: Opening Night 7pm at LUX downtown Eagle
featuring 3 VineArts artists

VineArts Gallery Exhibit: Deep + Wide: Kingdom Breaking In

I've had the amazing honor of being the VineArts Gallery Installation Coordinator for several years now. I have a wonderful team of volunteers who work side by side with me to install our quarterly themed & juried exhibits. We open it up to all creative hearts who would like to submit artwork (of all various mediums). We've had artists from all over Idaho, the nation, and even the world submit to our gallery. We charge no entry fee. This is a gallery open to the professional and the emerging artist. We desire to connect art with people's hearts as a way of connecting with our Creator. If you're interested in our gallery exhibits and would like to know more about how to submit art you can go to the VineArts website: www.vineartsboise.org

Here is a short video of our opening reception for the new VineArts Gallery Exhibit: Deep + Wide: Kingdom Breaking In. We just installed this new art show that includes around 40 entries from around 30 artists from all over the Treasure Valley here in Idaho (and even Texas!) utilizing a variety of mediums and techniques. The theme of the show allowed artists to engage with and respond to the current sermon series at Boise Vineyard studying the book of Mark. The exhibit explores putting down deep spiritual roots through worship, prayer, and scripture, so that we’re empowered to reach out wide in loving, serving, and healing others.

Happy Birthday Jackson Pollock!

"Happy Birthday Jackson Pollock (1912 – 1956)! The pioneer of Abstract Expressionism, Pollock challenged the artistic tradition of using an easel and brush by pouring and dripping paint onto canvases, creating groundbreaking works with a childlike quality which belied their stunning complexity and sophistication. Influenced by Picasso, Miró, and the Surrealists, Pollock revolutionized a style of painting in which the work has no identifiable parts or point of emphasis (abandoning the traditional idea of composition), painted with a stream-of-consciousness technique called psychic automatism. Driven by inner torment which compelled him to paint, Pollock attached large canvases to the floor, densely pouring, dripping and flinging paint (sometimes embedded with sand or glass) onto them with intense physical movement. This allover manner of Action painting was believed by artists and critics alike to result in a direct expression of the unconscious moods of the artist, leaving interpretation of the work created subject to widely varying interpretations. More than half a century after his death, Pollock's art continues to intrigue and inspire." ~Art.com

a Night to Remember

The Woman of Steel Gallery in Boise is featuring my art for a couple of months and last night was the opening party. The event was called "Art & Elegance". Along with my abstract expressionist mixed media paintings on the walls and metal sculptor & owner Irene Deely's metal artworks & a few other pieces from local artists throughout the gallery...there was live music & dancing. catered hors d'oeuvres. a wine bar. a cigar room. and lots of people who came to support the arts.

My 3 piece series titled "Have Your Way". acrylic, latex house paints, & paper on cardboard. Each piece is 26x30 and is priced at $600 each.

Here is my piece titled "Circumcision". latex house paints. acrylic. paper. objects. It is a 36x48 canvas and is priced at $900. The two pieces to the right of it are both 11x14 canvas. The middle one is titled "Water of Life" and the one on the right is titled "Alive". They are both priced at $150 each.

This piece is titled "Strong Tower" and is 16x20 canvas. oil. acrylic. latex house paint. paper. objects. stone. It is priced at $300.

There was a live band playing music for all to enjoy. Here they are bringing us some jazzy tunes in front of 3 of my paintings. The painting on the left is title "Change" and is a 24x36 canvas priced at $700. oil. acrylic. latex house paint. paper. The large painting in the center is titled "Holy" and is a 40x50 framed canvas priced at $1000. oil. acrylic. latex house paint. paper.

I enjoyed being able to mingle and meet people. Many I knew, but others I didn't know and it was wonderful to chat and experience a night of culture together.

Sometimes I love being incognito as people interact and engage with the art.

Here are some of my fellow VineArts artists enjoying the evening together.

Irene (the beautiful lady in the center of the photo facing forward) has such a unique and atmospheric art gallery. It allows for large events like this but creates an intimate setting for all to enjoy.

Cheers!!!!

What a night to remember! Thank you all who came out to the party to celebrate! I feel very loved and supported!

FOR NARNIA!!!!

i love to read stories. and i love to paint. and i really love when reading stories and painting converge. i recently was hired to paint 3 murals in the childrens section of a bookstore. the murals were scenes from the popular fantasy series "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S.Lewis (which i have read and have seen the movies). i really connected emotionally with this commission as each brush stroke playfully brought the story to life. it warms my heart to know that my work will perhaps help many connect with stories that can take them to far away places (that aren't much further than their own hearts). sigh.
the wardrobe: a portal into the land of Narnia...with Mr. Tumnus waiting by the Lamppost for the arrival of the sons of Adam & daughters of Eve.

the Kings & Queens of Narnia (Queen Susan, King Edmund, King Peter, & Queen Lucy) taking to battle with Aslan the Lion by their side.

the White Witch in her chariot being pulled by large polar bears. she's charging to battle against the Narnians.

a close up of Aslan roaring. can you hear it? are you ready? ..."he's not safe. but he's good."

The Woman of Steel Gallery: Art & Elegance Event

I have the amazing honor of being the featured artist for an event at The Woman of Steel Gallery in Boise. Metal sculptor & owner of the Woman of Steel Gallery, Irene Deely, has hand selected 10 of my abstract expressionist mixed media paintings to be on display & for sale in her gallery for 2 months....beginning with a public art event she calls "Art & Elegance".

Art & Elegance: Features Artist Lisa Marten
Tuesday, January 18 · 7:00pm - 11:30pm
$5 at the door.

Woman of Steel Gallery
3640 Chinden Blvd.
Garden City, ID
http://www.womanofsteelgallery.com/

"Interesting people, great aperitifs, good conversations, beautiful music and intriguing art gives a fabulous reason to dress up & linger at Woman of Steel's unique gallery. The cigar lounge invites intimate conversations while the gallery offers space for dancing wine tasting & nibbling on a scrumptious light buffet selection. We look forward to repeating last month's stylish gathering with prizes for "Best Dressed". Rex & Beverly return with their elegant music. $5 at the door."~Irene Deely.

REVELATORART 2010: a year in the life of a warrior painter

Hey there you! Grab a cup of coffee or a cup of tea or hot cocoa, find a comfy spot to sit & relax, and dive into this 2010 “coffee talk with Lisa”...it’s a recap of my year and a chance to catch up with what I’ve been doing. The blue caterpillar in “Alice In Wonderland” asks Alice “who are you?” I’ve taken this question to heart. This has been a year of working hard on inner issues & gaining back my “muchness”. Actively seeking wisdom & healing, I’m stepping out in understanding with boldness into WHO I AM as an artist, as a business owner, as a mentor, as a teacher, as a minister, as a worshipper, as an intercessor, as a missionary, as a leader, and as a friend. I’m continuing on my heart journey, diving deep, facing my “impossible things”, & I’m ready to “slay” for the Kingdom! In creative response: The painting to the right is my first ever self portrait. It’s called “Warrior Painter”. This is who I am and this is who I’ll be. This is my story. -Lisa

MENTORING
I’ve had the wonderful privilege this year to meet one on one with a few young female artists on a regular basis for the sole purpose of mentoring them creatively and spiritually. It’s a humbling position to be in and it has kept me on my knees as I have recognized how we all influence each other.

BACKDROPS
Over the past few years VineArts has created 4 backdrops for the sanctuary stage at Vineyard Boise. The backdrops coincide with the sermon series taught by the pastors of the church. Several artists are involved in the designing, construction, and painting of each backdrop. I’ve had the fun opportunity to be a part of each project. I’ve also occasionally been able to join the worship team on Sunday mornings to add to & enhance a backdrop by painting during worship. This year we finished the Paul’s Prison Epistles backdrop and revealed the Kingdom Deep & Wide backdrop. The backdrops have become a creative teaching tool. To see photos and read more about these backdrops you can find related posts here on this blog.

EXHIBITS
When I counted up the number of Art Shows I’ve displayed my work in this year I realized that I’ve had the chance to be a part of some amazing exhibits! I’ve been in 4 themed/juried VineArts Gallery exhibits “Abundant Joy”, “Doin’ The Stuff”, “Embracing Glory”, and “A New Name”...each show running 2.5 months. I’ve had 2 solo art shows at LUX Fashion Lounge downtown Boise (June, December). I’ve had a large mural piece displayed in the National traveling art exhibit “Liberty Rising 2010” (Sept-Oct). And I’ve had that same large mural piece as part of an exhibit at Woman of Steel Gallery in Boise (Nov-Dec). And I had a couple of paintings displayed in the Western Idaho State Fair Juried Fine Arts Exhibit. To see photos and short videos taken of these exhibits you can find related posts here on this blog.

WORKSHOPS
I like teaching art. Mostly I like teaching one on one lessons in my studio. But occasionally I like to teach a workshop to a small group of people. In August I taught a Splatter Painting Workshop through VineArts.3 hours of allowing artists to let the paint fly & learn how to be free within themselves. At the end of the workshop the group created a large Jackson Pollock like painting together. Being part of the VineArts Leadership Team, I also helped facilitate a Creativity & The Holy Spirit Workshop taught by author/producer J. Scott McElroy in November when he came to visit VineArts. The focus was listening to God’s voice as we create (allowing a partnership in creativity). To see photos and read more about these workshops you can find posts related to these events on this blog.

TEXAS
In March I flew to San Antonio with Jessie Nilo(the Founder&Director of VineArts)for a specialized retreat held at Laity Lodge.The retreat was specifically for Pastors&Ministers to Artists with the focus on mentoring artists within the Church.This included authors(David Taylor),poets(Luci Shaw),producers(Charlie Peacock),musicians(Miriam Carr,The Welcome Wagon),artists(Phaedra Taylor)&missions organizations(ArtsLink).It was wonderful to connect with people from around the world who all had the same love for art&artists as we did.And yet,we found that VineArts is quite unique in how we implement that love through ministering with artists in our community on a daily basis. To see photos and read up on the trip go to: www.traveling-artist.blogspot.com

ECUADOR
In June I traveled to the capitol city of Quito with 4 other artists from VineArts to do an art & missions trip serving at Iglesia La Vina (The Vineyard Church in Quito). We helped create 3 room murals & a stairwell mural, 3 large wall logos, a sanctuary stage backdrop mural, and facilitate an art & worship service with 4 artistic banners...all with the help of the people of La Vina. We were also joined by 5 SOBA students & 8 Mission Medics from Vineyard Boise on their world outreach trips. We had the chance to sight see at the Equator, a volcano, and a beautiful waterfall. This was my first trip to South America. To view photos & read up on the trip go to: www.traveling-artist.blogspot.com

CALIFORNIA
In July I made a road trip to Redding with my artist friend Alyee.It had been 11yrs since I’d been amidst palm trees&even longer since I’d walked along California beaches.We visited Bethel Church which has a thriving music/art/healing ministry that is known worldwide.I had the opportunity to eat my first In-N-Out burger&shop at Trader Joes&have coffee with friends who had just moved there from Scotland.It was a funfilled trip that gave me a new perspective&refreshed my heart in ways I’m still processing.

PAINTING LIVE
I absolutely LOVE painting live! There is something completely exhilarating to my heart & soul as I create art (to music) in front of live audiences during concerts, art events, or worship services. I enjoy the live experience of painting. I love to allow the Holy Spirit, the music and the paint to work together with me in creating a message for all to see. The fun for me doesn’t stop there! Afterwards, I get to enjoy conversing with people as they share with me how they were impacted by watching me paint & by what I painted. This is really why I do what I do...to allow the art to speak to others in ways I could never do by just talking. I was asked to paint live during an evening worship service at Vineyard Boise in May where I created a painting that transformed with each song sung. I had the privilege to create a 16 foot mural live to music at an art event for the public at The Woman of Steel Gallery in Boise in August. And I was one of the featured artists who created live on-site during the VineArts Gala in November. To read more you can find posts here on this blog related to these events.

ART EVENTS
Some of the most fulfilling things I get to be involved with are special art events that VineArts facilitates. This year was our 4th biennial Art Gala held in November. Themed “Creating Culture”, it was a semi-formal night of live music, dance & poetry performance, artists creating on-site, art workshops & special talks given by author/producer J. Scott McElroy & metal sculptor/gallery owner Irene Deely. I had the enjoyment of being one of the featured artists to paint live during the event. We also facilitated an Art & Worship event in November at a local university. Our VineArts leadership team designed, constructed, & prepped 3 large canvases for over 60 students to paint on side by side. These kinds of events are such fun ways of being able to see how art impacts the hearts of so many. To see photos and read more about these events you can find posts here on this blog or go to: www.vineartsboise.org

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Dive deep and keep creating!!!

Winter Art Show Downtown Boise

During the month of December 2010 I have a solo art show taking place at LUX Fashion Lounge downtown Boise. This is my second show featured at LUX this year. I had a show during the summer in June when the sun was out, the pavement was hot, and people were downtown in shorts and sandals. This time the streets are covered in snow, the trees & buildings are decked out with colorful lights, and people are bundled up to stay warm.

I have new art being displayed. Keeping with my abstract expressionist style...I took simple themes and explored different ways to speak emotion. Some of the paintings were created on unstretched canvas, other paintings were created on sheets of cardboard (I was inspired by Idaho artist James Castle who utilized objects around him (things like cardboard, food boxes, matchbooks, and other printed materials as his canvas; soot and spit for his paint; and string to bind things together).

I used black metal clips and wire strung across the top as an edgy way to hang. This allows for the viewer to focus on the art & hanging materials as one piece. No traditional frame required. The 3 large paintings that I created on cardboard were originally a 3 piece series that I did in my art studio. The series is titled "Have Your Way" with "Fill Me Up" placed on the left, "Sing Over Me" placed in the middle, and "Rain Down On Me" placed on the right. I think that each painting can actually stand alone though, so I hung them away from each other.

There are a few paintings (the tree in this photo & the trees & the corn field in an above photo) that I did as studies from Van Gogh while at Open Studio in the VineArts Studio. He has been such an inspiration to me throughout my art career. I've spent a lot of time studying his work, his techniques, his philosophy, his life. Many of my impressionistic oil landscapes were influenced by his paintings. Currently though...I've been taking some of his paintings and creating similiar ones...but with my own RevelatorArt abstract expressionist twist. The 3 paintings here are layered acrylic paint with splatter techniques.

I did have one painting that I created on stretched canvas...but it is mixed media of oil, watercolor, acrylic paints, and pencil. The painting was a study I did during Open Studio in the VineArts Studio. I found the original in a "how to" watercolor book. I'm not much for "how to" books...I would rather create original ideas. So I decided to make it my own by mixing and layering different mediums and utilizing splatter & drip techniques that the book didn't offer.

This painting is oil with some acrylic paint splatter. I did this one in Open Studio at the VineArts Studio also...I had brought my Winsor & Newton, and Sennelier Oil Bars in to demostrate to other artists and this was a painting I created on the spot. Oh...and there's also a little watercolor whirlpool painting (featured in one of the photos above) that I did in Open Studio as a study for a larger painting I was planning to do in layered acrylics.

OH...and all paintings are for sale!

Having an art show once in awhile is something I enjoy very much. There's something about prepping, painting, & planning for an installation that brings about a sense of accomplishment once it's hung and in view of the public. Over the last 12 years I have shown in NUMEROUS art galleries, art supply stores, coffeeshops, various kinds of retail shops, libraries, state fairs, auctions, juried shows, indoor & outdoor art & music events, & even private home shows. The exposure my paintings get during art shows has always allowed for sales & some great contact with future clients and also for continued relationship with venues & establishments.

Group Art & Worship Events

Once in awhile I get the wonderful opportunity to be a part of group Art & Worship events. VineArts has facilitated several of these over the years...to different groups of people in different venues for different occasions...but always for the purpose to help people experience an intimacy with God & their fellow human being in a creative way. Many of these people aren't comfortable with artistic expressions...or don't consider themselves artists...BUT we believe that everyone is creative (because God-the ultimage creator-created us in his image and we all have his creativity in our genes...creativity isn't just drawing, painting, or sculpting). Also, many people arent' familiar with creative expression as a viable form of worship to God...BUT we believe that worship is in everything we do and say...we were created to worship Him...and so whenever we do things from our hearts (even if it's expressing love to another person....or expressing joy through creating art) we are allowing ourselves to worship. So yesterday I got to be a part of an Art & Worship event that VineArts facilitated at a local university in the Boise area. We met with around 60 students for this event. We provided everything (canvas, paints, supplies, etc.). The event began with blank canvases that we stretched, primed, and prepared with outlined images for the group to paint on. We as the leadership are there in the background to help pour paint on pallettes, change out water for the brushes, and occasionally encourage a participant.

We invited people to come and paint on the canvases together side by side (they could use whatever colors they chose). The only rule was they can't destroy something someone else painted...but they could add on or enhance it. This is a practical lesson in working together for a common purpose.

Music, coffee, refreshments, and an ambiantic setting was provided to help the participants feel comfortable to create together. One of our VineArts leaders spoke out encouraging words, read poetry, and shared heart to heart stories of life with the group throughout the event.

It's an incredible experience to watch so many individuals come together side by side and create something so beautiful together...there were no directions on how to...it all just developed naturally.

Here are the finished canvases after only 3 hours!

Once the students left to go to lunch, our team got busy with clean up and also cutting up the 3 canvases!!!! Yes!!! I read that right!!! We cut the canvases off the frames and then flip them over, grid them out and cut them in squares!!

Each person who participated gets to take one of the squares home with them (they are randomly distributed)...as a memento of the event...but also as reminder that their individual piece is vitally important to make up the big picture...and they also need each other in order to have the entire picture. It's an amazing lesson in the importance of community and our own purpose in this life.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE being a part of these kinds of events (and I don't even do any painting!!!)....it's so cool to talk with the participants and find out how impactful such a simple experience is in their lives and it's also such a fun experience for those of us on the leadership team as we work together to put on the event and as we get to see God move in other people's lives.

What an A.MAZ.ING weekend of ART!

Creativity Workshop taught by J. Scott McElroy at The Woman of Steel Gallery. Photo taken by Irene Deely.

This is me painting live on-site at the 2010 VineArts Gala.

The Creativity workshop taught by Indianapolis author of "Finding Divine Inspiration", J.Scott McElroy, on Friday night was soooooooo encouraging! Held at the Woman of Steel Gallery in Boise, it was hosted by the Woman of Steel herself, Irene Deely. The night was dedicated to learning how to hear God speak to us and applying that partnership to our creativity. We all were created by God who is the best artist & the creator of the universe...and we were created in His image...therefore we have that same kind of creativity within us (it's in our genes)...we just need to recognize this and learn to listen to the Holy Spirit to partner with Him as we create. Scott took us through an exercise where we paired up and prayed silently for the other person...as we prayed we were to listen and ask God for a picture for that person. Then we were to draw or paint what we saw and then share it with the person and then pray for them again. Surprisingly enough...it was quite easy to do (even for those who thought they couldn't hear from God)...and everyone had a story about how the picture spoke to them very specifically and was encouraging in their current circumstances. It was quite amazing and a wonderful blessing to hear from God and learn that we can bless others through our creativity...if we only ask for God to use us in this creative way. Thank you Irene & Scott!

The VineArts Gala on Saturday night was a spectacular event...a night of sophisticated style! The theme was Creating Culture. It was a semi-formal arts event with live classical & jazz music, catered food, on-site artists creating, poetry readings, and special speakers: Irene Deely (metal sculptor & owner of The Woman of Steel Gallery) who shared stories from the road of her 3rd National "Liberty Rising Tour"and J.Scott McElroy (author of "Finding Divine Inspiration") who spoke about partnering with God as we create. Jessie Nilo, the VineArts founder & director, presented the VineArts Leaders and spoke on what VineArts is about and how we're reaching the artist and those who respond to art (within the church, the community, the nation, the world). It was an amazing night dedicated to the artist's heart. Thank you to everyone who made the Gala such a success!

Creating Culture: a VineArts Gala

CREATING CULTURE: a VineArts Gala

WHEN: Saturday November 6, 2010

WHERE: Heritage Hall at Vineyard Boise

TIME: 7pm-10pm

COST: $7

DESCRIPTION: This semi-formal event will take place in the beautifully decorated Heritage Hall, and is for ages 12 and up. This is our main fundraiser for the year. Enjoy live music and dance performances, exquisite refreshments, and local artists creating artworks on-site. Selected artists will display and sell their artwork, with 20% of sales directly benefiting the VineArts Ministry.

SPEAKERS: J.Scott McElroy (Arts Pastor of Indianapolis Vineyard & author of the book "Finding Divine Inspiration: Working with the Holy Spirit in Your Creativity") and Irene Deely (metal sculptor & owner of The Woman of Steel Gallery)

To purchase tickets on-line: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e30ywl6s58ba1bdb&oseq=

Workshop on Creativity and the Holy Spirit

"Calling artists in churches everywhere!

You’re invited to a Creativity Workshop featuring J. Scott McElroy, Director of Arts from the Indianapolis Vineyard.

Learn to collaborate with God in your creativity, practical steps to hearing God’s voice, exercises in creating life-changing prophetic artwork, and more.

When: Friday Nov. 5, from 6:30-8:30pm

Where: The exquisitely beautiful Woman of Steel Gallery.

McElroy is the author of Finding Divine Inspiration: Working with the Holy Spirit in Your Creativity, and founder of The New Renaissance Rising arts movement.

Note: McElroy will also be the main speaker at the VineArts Gala held Saturday evening, November 6 at Vineyard Boise Church. (Register separately to attend the Gala; tickets are $7 and we will be selling tickets at the door.)"

Register Here: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=k6as4ddab&oeidk=a07e32lgux6253ba76c

"A New Name" VineArts Gallery Exhibit

Last week was our installation week for a new art exhibit in the VineArts Gallery. Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday we took artwork submissions from artists in our community. Thursday we juried the artwork. Then Friday we installed the show. Here is a short video I took at the very beginning of the Opening Reception today of the new art exhibit themed "A New Name". The exhibit explores the mystery of receiving a new identity when we align ourselves with God and His purposes for us. This video was taken just moments before the hords of people poured into the gallery to enjoy the live music, catered refreshments, and thought provoking artwork. The exhibit will be up till mid January 2011.

Art Shows

I wanted to let you know of where you can view my art over the next few months.

WOMAN OF STEEL GALLERY

http://www.womanofsteelgallery.com/

*During the rest of October 2010 and throughout November 2010, my 16foot by 4foot plywood Phoenix abstract mural "For Such A Time As This" is on display at The Woman of Steel Gallery on Chinden in Boise as part of the Liberty Rising art exhibit. The entire exhibit toured the southern states and Washington D.C. during September-October for the Liberty Rising 2010 Tour and is now back at home in Boise. Opening Reception was Thursday October 22 at 7pm with live music and refreshments.

VINEARTS GALLERY

http://www.vineartsboise.org/

*During the months of November 2010 through January 2011, I will have a couple of large abstract expressionist collage paintings on display in the themed art exhibit "A New Name" in the VineArts Gallery at Vineyard Boise on Bradley St. in Boise. Opening Reception is Sunday October 31st from 12:30pm-1:30pm with live music and catered refreshments.

VINEARTS GALA

http://www.vineartsboise.org/

*The night of November 6 from 7pm to 10pm in Heritage Hall at Vineyard Boise the VineArts is having a special semi-formal fundraising arts event themed "Creating Culture". I will be one of the featured artists displaying, selling, and creating art live. There will be live music, poetry, & dance, catered refreshments, special speakers J.Scott McElroy & Irene Deely, and several local artists displaying and creating art on-site. Tickets are on sale for $7.

LUX FASHION LOUNGE

http://www.luxfashionlounge.com/

*During the month of December 2010 I will have several prints of my abstract expressionist paintings on display at Lux Fashion Lounge on Idaho St., downtown Boise. Opening Night will be First Thursday December 2nd.

WARRIOR PAINTER

the caterpillar in "Alice in Wonderland" poses the question, "Who are you?"

this painting is my response.

just as Alice had to embark on a difficult journey to face her "impossible things" in order to answer the wise insects' question...creating this painting took me on quite a journey to face my fears in order to answer the question for myself.

it's the first time i've attempted to do a self portrait.

it's a 24x36 size canvas layered in symbolic details utilizing oils, acrylics, latex house paints, paper, ink, and various objects.

the answer to this question, for me, began back when i was 13. i had a reoccuring dream for 2 weeks after i had given my life over to Christ. that dream (as vivid today as it was in 1983) had everything to do with "who i am".

and yet i didn't understand. "the wrong Lisa"

when i lived in Scotland 8 years ago, the dream was interpreted by a man who specialized in dream interpretation. he explained that it was packed full of symbolic imagery and i was told that i had been given the answer to who i was all those years ago when i was a teenager.

and yet...i still didn't understand. "hardly Lisa"

this year has been an amazing year of waking up, really seeing inside of myself, and stepping into who i am (mind, body, heart, spirit). i've embarked on an intense inner journey to face my "impossible things" in order to "slay the Jabberwocky" in my life.

and now...i understand. "the right Lisa"

with my mind renewed and All Consuming Fire in my heart, and Revelator & Art upon my arms, i dance & fling paint and wield Worship & Intercession as my swords in battle, i shout Freeeeeeedoooooooommmmm! for hearts held captive.

i'm in love with God. and God's in love with me. this is who i am and this is who i'll be. and that settles it. completely.

i am WARRIOR PAINTER!

Introducing An Emerging Artist

"Rhythm of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah" 12x16 acrylic and ink on canvas. c. 2010 Alyee Willets.

I remember what it was like to start out as a full time artist 12 years ago. It was exciting and yet a bit daunting too. There's so much to experience and learn...where and how does one begin? I recall those mentors in my life who encouraged me to paint from the passion within me. And I remember those in the art community who helped promote me and opened the doors for my first art shows. I wouldn't be where I'm at today if it weren't for those who believed in me as an artist and helped give me the courage to believe in myself as an artist.

Today I find myself in the wonderful position to "pay it forward".

I want to introduce you to an emerging artist friend of mine from Boise, Idaho. Alyee Willets is a mixed media artist who paints vibrant and emotive prophetic paintings. She works in multiple layers using various mediums and techniques that create her unique abstract expressionist style.

Alyee has traveled the globe and lived overseas serving as a missionary with YWAM. She has a Divinely inspired compassionate heart for those who have been oppressed and broken-hearted. And she continues to be connected with those who have impacted her life so richly. This intimate expression pours forth from her heart into her paintings and the viewer finds themselves engaging and interacting with the art in profound and deep ways.

I've had the priviledge of getting to watch Alyee as she paints and I can say that it's truly an inspiring experience. I've found myself so mesmerized by her creative energy of color usage and layering techniques that I want to go grab a canvas and some paints and jump into the creation process beside her!

Alyee sells the art she creates (originals and prints) and she does commissioned work. She has created prophetic paintings live during church worship services. She has also taught beginning painting to children and has recently painted a commissioned mural. Alyee has shown her work in the August-October 2010 VineArts Gallery Art Exhibit titled "Embracing Glory" and will have her first solo art show November 2010 at LUX Fashion Lounge in downtown Boise.

If you're interested in seeing more of Alyee's work and would like to inquire about commissioning/purchasing her art, you can email her at: cherid465@msn.com or call her at: 1.208.283-6094. You can also visit Alyee at her blog: http://whenheavencomesdown.blogspot.com/ or on Facebook.

Again...I am extremely appreciative of those who introduced me as an emerging artist all those years ago, and I find it to be a huge honor to be able to do the same today for someone else. Though it can be quite challenging and difficult and the road can be bumpy and confusing at times...being an artist is one of the most rewarding and enriching things to be in life. You see, it's more than just a job or an occupation...it's who we are deep in our hearts. It's how we see the world. It's how we speak the Divine creatively. It's how we live the adventure.

Welcome Alyee Willets...YOU ARE AN ARTIST!

old paintings revisited revelatorart style

lately i've been having fun with some of my painting techniques in the VineArts Studio during Open Studio hours. it's been an educational experience for me to look at art books and try to recreate paintings from other artists, but in my own style. this is a common practice of artists...to copy from the Masters and from each other in order to learn and grow in our artistic talents and skills. the following paintings are some that i have recently completed. my version of the "Armadale Pier" by Caroline Bailey

my version of "The Mulberry Tree" by VanGogh

my version of "Wheatfield with Crows" by VanGogh

my version of "Pollared Willows and Setting Sun" by VanGogh

Change

"Change" 24x36 mixed media on canvas. c. 2010 Lisa Marten

This is a new painting I just created mixing my impressionistic oil landscape style with my mixed media expressionist abstract style. This painting is inspired by a poem I wrote years ago.

Change
c. 1993 Lisa Marten

Change is immanent
No matter how much we try and fight it
No matter how much we try and reroute it
Change is inevitable
We can’t stop it, we can’t delay it
It will always take place
Time keeps ticking away
And there’s no way to turn back the hands
Like some futile plot in a paperback novel
The story never really ends
So how do we move with change and not become
Sucked up in its vacuum of mediocrity?
How do we deal with its’ ever pounding surf
upon our frail and fragile existence?
Change can be riveting and cruel one moment
And stabling and benevolent the next
So how do we sail the seas of change
To dock in the port of salvation
with out dashing upon the rocks of destruction?
The answer is best found in a question:
As change continues to occur…will we?

teaching splatter painting to adults

Today I taught my 5th Splatter Painting Workshop through VineArts.
I love to let the paint fly!
and I love to encourage others to allow their creative hearts to be set free by using splatter painting techniques. we start out by doing some Jackson Pollock type painting and then let the creativity flow where it will. splatter techniques can enhance other styles of painting and mediums...the only limitation is your own imagination.

we listen to expressive music during the workshop to help people get into a creative zone where the paint and the music and their hearts can converge and dance together. what they create is pretty amazing, as it comes from within them...it's very therapeutic and allows for personal expression.

Pure Freedom!!!

towards the end of the workshop we all worked together on one large canvas (5ftx13ft) to create a Pollock-style masterpiece...yes, that's right...all of us together working on one painting. it's pretty incredible to experience. what starts out to be several individuals painting...turns into a dance of paint and bodies and canvas becoming one. afterwards everyone is pretty elated and covered in paint!

*photo credits to J.Nilo