In 2017, the pastor of my church at the time, Rev Kim Cran, heard about my art background that I was aching to use, and considered this and our congregation’s worship experience. She came up with the Artist in Residence volunteer position that I began and continue to this day.
It started very modestly, but after a while, I felt called to be a serious professional artist, and the focus that the Artist in Residence position gave me was and is essential to me, my career, and the congregation that I’ve attended my entire life.
I became involved with primarily creating carved, sanded, and burnt basswood paintings, and woodblock prints on paper, for the four Sundays of Advent, Christmas, and Holy Week: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.
My most ambitious painting to date, Christmas Star – an approximately 4 feet by 6 feet carved and painted basswood painting, (see photo) – was purchased by ten couples and individuals within the congregation, and donated to the church for permanent presentation. At this writing, it hangs in our sanctuary for the Christmas season, and will be installed in the church dining room when not used for Christmas.
As Artist in Residence, I am ramping up the classes and art opportunities in my church. This notably includes the beginning of a perhaps-yearly “Artistic Interpretation of Scripture” summer opportunity. Our current pastor, Rev Rob Tulloch, was inspired to suggest this idea to me.
Pastor Rob selected a favorite blessing, Numbers 6: 24-26, “May the Lord bless you and keep you…” for the artists to interpret. I curated the artwork of fourteen congregants of all ages who created paintings, 3D work, and even a musical offering. The artists wrote short artist statements to be included in the bulletin when their work was presented on a Sunday to honor creatives.
Below, see the photo of congregant and artist Marlene Mussler-Wright’s painting and statement:
“Every once in a while, I get up early to have coffee with my friend Caylynn. The sun is particularly golden and warm as it is coming up, a cozy blessing. I love the small moments that wink towards the big ideas.”
Our church is working on fresh ideas for worship and service, and I’m hoping to incorporate an element of creativity and art while holding fast to beloved traditions that may possibly evolve or be enhanced.
The Artist in Residence position in our church offers powerful opportunities for engagement in worship, including expression and meditative appreciation.
Check out the artwork I’ve produced over the years, primarily as Artist in Residence, in the categories of Spiritual Nature and Spiritual Abstract!