For the first time at Catalyst Arts Collaborative, I recently taught a Woodblock Printmaking Class. And at Boise First Congregational, United Church of Christ, I curated a show of 16 artists who interpreted a passage of scripture artistically.
This post elaborates on something most motivating to me as an artist and art guide: helping others create and experience art!
Paula carved and created a print of her “spirit animal,” a sea turtle, and she talked about how healing it is to create art. Her granddaughter, Kendra, who was tired of people revering Impressionist art, found woodblock printmaking refreshing and inspiring with its clean lines and shapes.
She said the class was the best fun she’d had in quite a while!
In a different event that blossomed recently, Pastor Rob Tulloch had a fresh idea that interested people in the congregation of the Boise First UCC: interpreting a passage of scripture visually.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine on you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6: 24-26
I curated a show of 16 artists of all ages, in this first year of what will most likely be an annual event. Among the contributions were 2D and 3D work, and even a musical piece!
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 in life that wink towards the big ideas.
– Marlene Mussler-Wright
Numbers 6: 24-26 reminds me of the field where the soldiers who have fallen during WWI were buried in Belgium. In the middle of the devastation, brilliant red poppies emerged on the broken ground. I like to think the warm, blooming flowers were an appropriate sign of the Lord making his face shine upon the soldiers in their graves and they died believing the words, “the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Today, our red poppy is a symbol of remembrance and hope for a peaceful time.
– Marilyn Holte
Artists’ short, printed statements about their work, like the above, enhance viewers’ experiences of their artwork, and add to the spiritual nature of the show. One of the artists had this feedback about her experience:
The printing of the explanations of the art pieces was inspirational. Perhaps as an unintended consequence, the readings felt like reading personal testimonials of faith for each person. I was so touched by God’s work through the hands of the artists of all ages. They opened my eyes to see the many ways God touches us in our daily lives. As a new worshiper, I felt a sense of connection with the UCC community.
Thank you, Gretchen, for creating this opportunity to share our faith. And for the opportunity for my husband to collaborate with Derek [organist] to put on paper a tune that has been in his head. Jim was on Cloud 9 last Sunday, as he heard his song on the organ and sung by the congregation.
Blessings,
Georgia Girvan
One of my favorite parts about being an artist is helping and supporting others to create their own art.
The mission of the Catalyst Arts Collaborative, to bring a wealth of art opportunities to our community, aligns very closely with my values.
In another powerful, but different way, my intentions also align with my church, Boise First Congregational United Church of Christ, celebrating spiritual art as part of “listening to God’s still speaking voice.” In a way, we may be seeing God’s still speaking voice!
I’m thrilled to continue my work with these organizations that touch lives through art!
My next Woodblock Printmaking Class at Catalyst is tentatively scheduled for November 6, 2022 from 1-5 pm.
In the class, students may choose to make a series of 5 holiday cards from the woodblocks they carved. Students can bring their own 6″x8″ drawing to create their series, or designs will be provided. All experience levels welcome!
Here’s a link to learn more and sign up!