March Artists' Gathering, Part 2 - Kelly's trip to the IAM conference

Kelly reported on his recent trip to New York to attend the

IAM conference

. He got to spend time with former and returning Hope artist

Brie Walker

, 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,

Transforming Culture

, 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

here

.

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.