Hope artists met at the Bryant's home for an extravagant potluck, performance, reports and prayer. Here is an overview.
Before and after dinner, we decorated seed packets for the upcoming Hope Chapel art project. Anyone is invited to take a template and draw/write on it the type of seed they are, the type of plant it will become, and instructions for growing or other seed-type information.
Wendy and Kathy will be traveling to Turkey in June with other Hope Chapel leaders. They will represent the arts ministry and women's ministry. A lively discussion about missions and the arts, both at home and in other countries revealed much interest. Issues that were raised included (1) labeling an activity as "mission" can be self-justification, (2) the importance of understanding God's will for artists in mission functions, (3) artists need respect for the "secret life," the time they spend honing their craft and creating work, and (4) the need for artists to be skilled when they do mission work and for mission groups to use skilled artists in the work the public sees. Several stories of traditional missions using artists and artists doing nontraditional mission work emerged and encouraged us all.
Jane and Kate attended a meeting about submitting proposals to participate in First Night, a New Year's Eve celebration sponsored by the city of Austin. Although the deadline is this week, she asked anyone with an idea to check out the information she brought back and their website. She noted that the city representatives used the same language the church uses in talking about their vision for the event. Words like hope, illumination of the soul, gift, creative, meaningful.
Kate gave a brief summary of Makoto Fujimura's talk at the arts pastors' retreat at Laity Lodge last month. We will look into buying the CDs of his and David Taylor's talks to have in the church library. Also a CD set of the talks from the Transforming Culture symposium last year.
Wendy and Ruth outlined the arts festival this summer, which will consist of a juried visual arts exhibit, an opening reception with performances, and two days of workshops focused on sparking creativity.
Jane and Wendy explained the format of the artist gatherings for next year, starting in September. They wll alternate between meetings for all artists and meetings for each of four interest groups: performers, writers, designers, and visual artists. Kate reminded everyone to send her links to post on the website and events to post on the calendar.
The meeting was adjourned, and Melinda and Brie performed a scene from a play Melinda is writing called Just Between Us Icons. Brie played Lady Liberty and Melinda was Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was delightful!
Rick led us in praying Psalm 23.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
April Arts Gathering – Writers meet for the first time
Well, I don't know if just the most interesting and enthusiastic people came to the meeting or if all writers are that way, but we had a very fun group, willing participators and unique storytellers each one. For more detail on the meeting please check the minutes to our meeting.
Also please note that I am not going to attempt to place people in writers groups. By coming to these larger meetings and contacting each other yourselves I know groups will form. And we are planning more large gatherings where you can meet one another.
So....that being said.
Two Main Things writers wanted:
1. A Writer's Group
2. Teaching - how to run a writer's group, how to critique and edit and strengthen one another.
In response to this I'm planning a future meeting to 'practice' being in a writers groups.
The most confusion seemed to center on what they could expect from the Writer's Advocate, which is myself, and the Advocate Gatherings. I wasn't able to offer a clear cut plan and the reason is that this is the first time to have a Writer's arm of HopeArts and I am new to HopeArts myself. We're in the 'discovering' phase. What I can tell you is the following:
As Advocate my part is:
1. Gather and introduce writers to one another. Hope and non-Hopites are welcome.
a. Periodic Gatherings for all writers
b. As needed Educational Gatherings - ie., how to start and run a writers group.
2. Offer opportunity for writers to share their work - *website, 8MM, contests, open mic
* For this to happen an Editorial Staff needs to be formed.
3. Support and Encourage the writers in their craft
This will mostly happen in a writers group however
As Writer your part is:
1. To write and share your work, to offer your work as you are led
2. To form and run your own writing groups
3. To participate and support the Greater Hope Arts community
This probably doesn't answer all your questions but it's a start. Watch the calendar for information about meetings and upcoming events.
Jane Bryant
Also please note that I am not going to attempt to place people in writers groups. By coming to these larger meetings and contacting each other yourselves I know groups will form. And we are planning more large gatherings where you can meet one another.
So....that being said.
Two Main Things writers wanted:
1. A Writer's Group
2. Teaching - how to run a writer's group, how to critique and edit and strengthen one another.
In response to this I'm planning a future meeting to 'practice' being in a writers groups.
The most confusion seemed to center on what they could expect from the Writer's Advocate, which is myself, and the Advocate Gatherings. I wasn't able to offer a clear cut plan and the reason is that this is the first time to have a Writer's arm of HopeArts and I am new to HopeArts myself. We're in the 'discovering' phase. What I can tell you is the following:
As Advocate my part is:
1. Gather and introduce writers to one another. Hope and non-Hopites are welcome.
a. Periodic Gatherings for all writers
b. As needed Educational Gatherings - ie., how to start and run a writers group.
2. Offer opportunity for writers to share their work - *website, 8MM, contests, open mic
* For this to happen an Editorial Staff needs to be formed.
3. Support and Encourage the writers in their craft
This will mostly happen in a writers group however
As Writer your part is:
1. To write and share your work, to offer your work as you are led
2. To form and run your own writing groups
3. To participate and support the Greater Hope Arts community
This probably doesn't answer all your questions but it's a start. Watch the calendar for information about meetings and upcoming events.
Jane Bryant
Monday, March 9, 2009
March Artists' Gathering, Part 2 - Kelly's trip to the IAM conference
Kelly reported on his recent trip to New York to attend the
. He got to spend time with former and returning Hope artist
, as well as with grad students from his alma mater, the Harvard Graduate School of Design. The main speaker was Nicholas Wolterstorff, a hero of Kelly's for the past 18 years. One of many "God moments" was when he got to ask Mr. Wolterstorff a question he's had in mind for a long time...and received a satisfying answer.
Kelly compared the three conferences he's attended over the past two years (2007 CIVA,
Kelly compared the three conferences he's attended over the past two years (2007 CIVA,
, and IAM) by saying that although the purposes, attendees, and programs were different, the value and life in all three was the connections with people, the excitement of finding others who struggle with the same ideas or problems. These connections can be life-altering and long-lasting, as we at HopeArts can see by the energy and new visions that have emerged from people who have attended these conferences or others.
Read more about Kelly's thoughts
Read more about Kelly's thoughts
.
March Artists' Gathering, Part 1 - connecting with Hope Chapel
We met at the Rascos' home on March 9 for amazing curries made by Wendy and Chanaka and other goodies, for a 100% gluten-free potluck. After a good time hanging out and in keeping with our desire to connect more relationally with other "tribes" at Hope, Gayle Bender and Cathy Tucek took time to talk about the projects they are working on.
Gayle is taking over administering the summer Neighborhood Bible Clubs. She asked for artists to plug into any of the many small jobs associated with this longstanding outreach, including writing curriculum, preparing PR videos, and prayer. Calling them local mission trips, she emphasized a new focus on supporting the participating families after the 4-day clubs end. Anyone who would like to help, contact Gayle and she'll help you find a place to suit your skills and heart.
Cathy then talked about her extremely part-time work (five hours per week) as the communications czar for Hope. Her job is to be the central coordinator for updating and producing new paper, web, and media materials, such as the weekly bulletins, overheads, and welcome brochure. She is looking to create a database of people who have various skills needed (for example, editors, graphic designers, photographers) and who are willing to work on one or two projects per year. Contact Cathy if you are interested.
Gayle is taking over administering the summer Neighborhood Bible Clubs. She asked for artists to plug into any of the many small jobs associated with this longstanding outreach, including writing curriculum, preparing PR videos, and prayer. Calling them local mission trips, she emphasized a new focus on supporting the participating families after the 4-day clubs end. Anyone who would like to help, contact Gayle and she'll help you find a place to suit your skills and heart.
Cathy then talked about her extremely part-time work (five hours per week) as the communications czar for Hope. Her job is to be the central coordinator for updating and producing new paper, web, and media materials, such as the weekly bulletins, overheads, and welcome brochure. She is looking to create a database of people who have various skills needed (for example, editors, graphic designers, photographers) and who are willing to work on one or two projects per year. Contact Cathy if you are interested.
Monday, February 23, 2009
February Arts Council meeting
Kelly, Wendy, and Jane met on Sunday, Feb. 22. Rick was absent due to illness. The first order of business was to verify who is responsible for which upcoming events. Kelly is in charge of the Ash Wednesday and Good Friday services, with a team that includes Ann Cogdell and Elizabeth Huss. ChristChurch is leading the Maundy Thursday service at Hope. Wendy will lead the March arts gathering. It was decided that the monthly Monday gatherings will cease for the summer to leave time and energy for the arts festival; there may be a picnic in July.
Kelly reported on the design team's plan for the Lent/Easter/Pentecost installation. The wall being built in the front is permanent. It will be a place to hang banners and will provide storage for the worship team's equipment. The elders have approved the wall and other changes, including removing the front left pews. This would make room for worshipers to dance during services, for prayer after services, and for smaller group gatherings in the sanctuary.
Kelly has heard from several people who want to bring the monthly compline service back. He does not have the time to coordinate it, but feels the Lent team may grow into that responsibility.
Wendy reported on progress in planning for the summer festival. The proposed schedule is a two-day event, on Friday and Saturday, with morning workshops at Hope (team-taught by Hope artists and geared to collaboration by participants) and afternoon off-campus classes (introduction to skills), with lunch provided. So far leaders are confirmed for writing and 3-D art workshops. Two or three more workshops are pending. Wendy also wants to schedule a follow-up meeting in late August or early September for those in the workshops to share what they worked on and as a kick-off for fall art classes that might meet monthly, open to all Hopites. There will also be a visual arts exhibit, modeled on previous festival exhibits, and a Saturday evening performance showcase.
Wendy's vision is that the morning workshops will be one 2-day event, where the same people attend the same workshop both days. People could sign up for the afternoon classes on either or both days. Rick's concern about this schedule (aired during the festival committee meeting) is whether the people we are aiming to attract will be able to attend a weekday event, especially if the Friday morning class is the first half of a two-day workshop. Kelly feels that for people who can't come on Friday should be welcome on Saturday only. The question seemed to boil down to clarifying who we see as the beneficiaries of the event, artists who want to experiment in collaborating outside their area of expertise or nonartists looking to try out an art form or both. The matter was tabled for further discussion.
Kelly reported on the design team's plan for the Lent/Easter/Pentecost installation. The wall being built in the front is permanent. It will be a place to hang banners and will provide storage for the worship team's equipment. The elders have approved the wall and other changes, including removing the front left pews. This would make room for worshipers to dance during services, for prayer after services, and for smaller group gatherings in the sanctuary.
Kelly has heard from several people who want to bring the monthly compline service back. He does not have the time to coordinate it, but feels the Lent team may grow into that responsibility.
Wendy reported on progress in planning for the summer festival. The proposed schedule is a two-day event, on Friday and Saturday, with morning workshops at Hope (team-taught by Hope artists and geared to collaboration by participants) and afternoon off-campus classes (introduction to skills), with lunch provided. So far leaders are confirmed for writing and 3-D art workshops. Two or three more workshops are pending. Wendy also wants to schedule a follow-up meeting in late August or early September for those in the workshops to share what they worked on and as a kick-off for fall art classes that might meet monthly, open to all Hopites. There will also be a visual arts exhibit, modeled on previous festival exhibits, and a Saturday evening performance showcase.
Wendy's vision is that the morning workshops will be one 2-day event, where the same people attend the same workshop both days. People could sign up for the afternoon classes on either or both days. Rick's concern about this schedule (aired during the festival committee meeting) is whether the people we are aiming to attract will be able to attend a weekday event, especially if the Friday morning class is the first half of a two-day workshop. Kelly feels that for people who can't come on Friday should be welcome on Saturday only. The question seemed to boil down to clarifying who we see as the beneficiaries of the event, artists who want to experiment in collaborating outside their area of expertise or nonartists looking to try out an art form or both. The matter was tabled for further discussion.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
January Arts Council meeting
The newly enlarged arts council met on Sunday, Feb. 1 to plan for upcoming arts events for the seasons of Lent, Easter and Pentecost, as well as the whatever-it-is (formerly the HopeArts Festival) this summer. In attendance were new member Jane Bryant and continuing members Kelly Foster, Wendy Dooldeniya, and Rick Van Dyke.
They discussed planning hands-on activities for the monthly arts gatherings, since discussions are not where it's at right now — along the lines of club meeetings, where you have some business and then a program. The next meeting will be an extremely unboring poetry reading with all invited to participate.
Wendy is looking for a few more artists to design posters for the Easter exhibit. Anyone interested should contact Wendy for more information. April's
They discussed planning hands-on activities for the monthly arts gatherings, since discussions are not where it's at right now — along the lines of club meeetings, where you have some business and then a program. The next meeting will be an extremely unboring poetry reading with all invited to participate.
Wendy is looking for a few more artists to design posters for the Easter exhibit. Anyone interested should contact Wendy for more information. April's
8 Minutes Max
still has not been scheduled and the council is looking for a passionate someone willing to head up performing arts at Hope.
Hope Chapel will be coordinating with ChristChurch Anglican (formerly Holy Trinity Episcopal) for Lenten and Holy Week services. Services will be held at Hope, including Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and will feature performances and readings by artists from both bodies.
Kelly reported on his design team's plans for working with the building, landscaping, and graphic design of Hope's publications (like the weekly bulletin). Everyone agrees that any changes need to be warm and welcoming.
Wendy submitted a draft of a plan for the summer festival. The group decided to meet again on Feb. 8 to talk more about it. Anyone who has worked on previous festivals knows that a huge amount of talking goes into it before the action can start. So stay tuned...
The council will be crafting a new vision statement that reflects HopeArts' focus on people. They will also be formulating a process for hiring a new arts pastor when the funds for that become available. Meanwhile, the council members' roles are to advocate for the various areas and manage the arts budget.
Hope Chapel will be coordinating with ChristChurch Anglican (formerly Holy Trinity Episcopal) for Lenten and Holy Week services. Services will be held at Hope, including Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and will feature performances and readings by artists from both bodies.
Kelly reported on his design team's plans for working with the building, landscaping, and graphic design of Hope's publications (like the weekly bulletin). Everyone agrees that any changes need to be warm and welcoming.
Wendy submitted a draft of a plan for the summer festival. The group decided to meet again on Feb. 8 to talk more about it. Anyone who has worked on previous festivals knows that a huge amount of talking goes into it before the action can start. So stay tuned...
The council will be crafting a new vision statement that reflects HopeArts' focus on people. They will also be formulating a process for hiring a new arts pastor when the funds for that become available. Meanwhile, the council members' roles are to advocate for the various areas and manage the arts budget.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be March 1.
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