The Studio Artists ~ Group Exhibit

I’m so excited about the studio artists group exhibit, which features nineteen artists who are part of the arts community, the studio. God has gifted these people with a heart to create and skills to bring forth beauty. You will enjoy a wide variety of mediums: pottery, jewelry, woodworking, glasswork, acrylic, watercolors, pastels, and photography. It’s an eclectic group of personal artwork from the artistic hobbyist to the professional full-time artist.

This exhibit runs the month of January.

the studio is a monthly gathering for visual artists that meets the third Wednesday of each month from 7:00—8:30 PM in Living Word’s Coffee Bar. Artists find inspiration in one another and deep community is forming.
The goals for the studio are to connect:

• artists to artists  
• artists to the church 
• artists to the community 
• artists to God, the Master Artist

I invite you to attend the studio and hope you find inspiration and even a new way of looking at your creativity in the light of who God’s created you to be, in His image.

 

Grace & peace,

 deAnn Roe

Snow Photo Challenge by Beth Smith

Christmas Decor

by Beth Smith

I dig this image - like a Christmas tree covered with snow, so unlike the one in my house. But I do remember the flocked trees of my youth. I prefer the real thing.

Thanks Beth for sending in your image!

grace & peace, deAnn

Snow Photo Challenge from Austin Fitz

Junko

by Austin Fitz

I love the shallow depth of field of this image. The bird just pops off the screen!

Thanks Austin, for sending in your image!

grace & peace, deAnn

Snow Photo Challenge by deAnn Roe

Festive Entrance

Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Dallastown, PA

Snow Laden Ladder

Our backyard

Snow Drift Mountain Range

Bethlehem U.M.C. Dallastown

Now, waiting for the next big snow to hit our area.

Grace & peace, deAnn

Snow Photo Challenge by Jutta Stallman

I really love the dog shot, nose in the snow and I'm wondering why.

Thanks Jutta for submitting images for the Challenge!

Grace & Peace ~ deAnn

Snow Photo Challenge by Chris Gold

Merry Christmas!!

The above images were taken by Chris Gold.

Thanks for submitting your images, Chris! I hope it snows again like this before spring!

Grace & Peace,

deAnn

Snow Photo Challenge by Deb Williams

Sunrise by Deb Williams

Bird in Snow by Deb Williams

Wintery Scene by Deb Williams

Thanks Deb for your images, they are nice! I particularly like the last one. It reminds me of Narnia - the light post and all! Thanks for participating in the Snow Photo Challenge.

grace & peace,

deAnn

Snow Photo Challenge by Chris Morgan

Suspension by Chris Morgan

Snow Castle by Chris Morgan

We Jump by Chris Morgan

Great images, Chris! Very creative and it looks like you guys were having lots of fun. Thanks for submitting your images for the Snow Photo Challenge.

deAnn Roe

I Played My Best For Him

For some reason this year Christmas music has really been speaking to me. Lyrics I've heard over and over have become mute to my ears and heart. However, God really captured my emotions one day when the familiar song, "Little Drummer Boy" came on my Pandora Christmas Radio Songs station. I've always dismissed the song, only hearing the prominent "pa rum pum pum pum" segments. But this time, I really heard the lyrics. Actually they went straight to my heart. I'd like to share them with you, minus the "pa rum pum pum pum's."

Come they told me,

A new born King to see,

Our finest gifts we bring,

To lay before theKing.

So to honor Him,

When we come.

Little baby,

I am a poor boy too,

I have no gift to bring,

That's fit to give the King.

Shall I play for you

On my drum?

Mary nodded,

The ox and lamb kept time,

I played my drum for Him,

I played my best for Him.

Then He smiled at me,

Me and my drum.

At the artists' gathering last week, the studio. I had these lyrics for everyone. We read them quietly and shared anything that stood out. Some stated that they never really noticed the lyrics before and really liked them. Others made note to certain parts of the song, "I have no gift to bring, that's fit for the King." One mentioned the fact that the animals kept time - which brought up a neat thought about how nature participated.

There isn't a line in this song that doesn't speak to me. I can relate to the little drummer boy, as I believe all artists can. I am a poor boy (girl, actually), with no gifts to bring, fit to give a King (Jesus). But all He wants is for us to show up and play our best for Him (or paint our best for Him, draw our best for Him, write our best for Him, or create our best for Him).

Then He smiled at me, me and my drum (or canvas, etc.)

As we head into the last few days before Christmas, remember the words of the "Little Drummer Boy." It has deep spiritual message for us. Often we judge our "best" by how the world sees our artwork. But God doesn't see it that way. As an offering for Him, He only expects we show up and do our very best.

Then He smiles at you, you and your art...

Grace & peace,
Merry Christmas,
deAnn

the studio 12/16 ~ RECAP

The Arts @ LW ~ the studio
December 16, 2009

Connecting Artist to Artist
We all shared our 2 or 3 peices of artwork that is being submitted for the January group exhibit. That was so much fun to see the work we've only heard of from one another.
What are your personal artistic goals for 2010?
Be in an exhibit outside LW. Be in _______ (number) exhibits.
Start a website featuring your artwork.
Take a class to learn a new skill OR to sharpen your current skills.
Donate a piece of your work to a benefit art auction.
Accomplish ______ (number) pieces of work in this year.
Read a book on arts and theology.
Experience art as prayer as spiritual formation.
______________________________________
______________________________________

Connecting Artist to the Community
First Friday Lancaster is Friday, January 1 – New Years Day

http://www.lancasterarts.com/index.php?pID=293 this link has the info about which galleries and businesses are closed OR open on New Years Day.

Websites to check out:
• http://melyndavanzee.blogspot.com/ ~ a cool blog by a Christian artist in the Midwest
•  http://www.fcreatives.com/ ~ Fiel Patricio, a York Artist
•  http://www.yorkartassociation.org/ ~ York Arts Association
• http://www.yorkarts.org/ ~ York Arts
• http://artgalleryyorkpa.com/ ~ City Art Gallery, York
• http://www.studiogallery234.com/ ~ Studio Gallery 234, York
• http://culturalalliance-york.org/ ~ York Cultural Alliance

The Connecting with God segment will be posted later this week. It needs to stand alone and not be shoved to bottom of the recap post.

Grace & peace~
deAnn

the studio: wednesday, 12/16

Tomorrow evening is the studio ~ where artists gather. We begin at 7pm in the coffee bar art gallery at Living Word Community Church. We are an artists community where we come together as artists who love Jesus, long to impact our community, and desire to deepen our walk with God.

If you are participating in the studio collaborative exhibit for the month of January, bring your 2 or 3 pieces of wired to hang wall art or 3D artwork to the studio tomorrow night. Since it the week before Christmas we'll have a relevant reflection as we head toward Christmas day. We'll also share about the art work we are submitting for exhibit and of course, eat chocolate and other holiday yummies.

I hope you can make it!
See you at 7pm in the coffee bar gallery!

grace & peace, deAnn

Sistine Chapel

Travis Thompson, one of the studio artists here at Living Word, sent this to me - to share with artists. Enjoy deeply. Grace & peace, deAnn
-------------------------------------------------

Have you ever been to the Sistine chapel? I have had a awesome opportunity to see it. It is about 1,000 time more impressive then any picture I have seen. Some interesting facts are that the Sistine chapel follows a belief common to Byzantine churches. The outside of the chapel is plain and has virtually no interest. All the beauty is inside. At one point the Italians held this virtue so high that this is how they built their churches. The Sistine chapel is a chapel not a gigantic church common in Italy. The ceiling is 131' x 43' so if you were to get 100, 150 or so people in this room it would fill up fast. It was just a chapel but Michelangelo (the sculptor) still poured his heart and spirit into this painting. It took him 4 years of standing (not laying down) to complete this project. He only accepted the commission when he was allowed to paint what ever scenes he chose. I wonder how many millions of people have walked into that chapel and have felt the power and omni-presence of God? I wonder what it would look like if we lived with that kind of dedication, passion and love?

Sections form Psalm 103

"Praise the Lord, my soul,

and forget not all his benefits- ...

For as high as the heavens are above the Earth,

so great is love for those that fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us. ...

for he knows how we are formed,

he remembers that we are dust. ...

But from everlasting to everlasting

the Lord's love is with those who fear him,

Praise the Lord, all his works

everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, my soul."

Thursday Pages Writing Group

Don't forget - Pages is this Thursday, December 10 from 7-8:30 pm in the large conference room at Living Word. The large conference room is across the hall from the church kitchen.

Bring your laptop or writing pad and a writing project you've been working on or putting off. If you have no projects, that's okay. We'll have writing prompts for you to choose from. The first 30 minutes of Pages is connecting as writers. The last hour is spent silently writing.

In this busy season when dedicated writing time is difficult to find, come to Pages and write away.

NOTE: If you come in the Coffee Bar entrance of the church, please be aware that the Women's Winter Event, "Girls Night Out," begins at 7pm in the coffee bar that evening. We'd just ask that you'd quietly move to the large conference room so that the event will not be disturbed. Look for the Pages sign on the conference room door.

Grace & peace,
deAnn

Inspiration for Photographers

I came across this beautifully done website for a photography studio in downtown York called, "The Susquehanna Photographic." If you want to be inspired, as I certainly was, look at their portfolio.

This Christmas season, instead of the typical holiday snapshots, re-image your subjects and be creative with your photography. Try snapping the photo from a different vantage point (instead of standing and taking the photo) or play with lighting, use a tripod for low lighting situation instead of flash (that is if your subject isn't a 2 year old zooming across the room!). This would be a fun PHOTO Challenge too - we've not had one for a while! More to come on that, but be thinking beyond the box when when you have your camera in hand over the holidays!

Happy Creating!

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Shady Diamond Illusion

The Studio Recap - November

It's a little late in coming, but here is the recap from the studio in November. In December, the studio is Wednesday, 12/16 at 7pm in the coffee bar at Living Word. The studio seeks to connect artists to artists: artists to the community: artists to the church: and artists to our God.

November 18 ~ the studio: where visual artists gather

Connecting Artist to Community

First Friday York and Lancaster, Friday December 4 (Day after Tomorrow!)

Cool websites to check out:

• http://www.melodyhogan.com/Welcome.html This is Melody Hogan’s website (Chris Gold’s cousin)
• http://cre8ed2cre8.blogspot.com/ Here’s Melody’s blog
• http://thenewr.org/ The New Renaissance Rising website
• http://thenewr.wordpress.com/ The New Ren Rising blog
• http://www.internationalartsmovement.org/ International Arts Movement
• http://www.lwcc-arts.blogspot.com/ The Arts @ LW blog

Connecting Artist to the Church

January group exhibit featuring the studio artists.

Submit two or three pieces of art, wall hung or 3D, on or before Wed 12/16 (which is the studio date in December - just bring your artwork to the studio). Attach a gallery inventory sheet (email deAnn to receive one) with each art piece numbered according to the numbers on the inventory sheet.

Email the info about each art piece to deAnn and I’ll print out art labels that will hang with your piece. I’ll need an artist statement/bio, focusing not only on your schooling and artistic accomplishments but more importantly on how you experience God’s presence as you move into your creative endeavors – this info will go in the gallery booklet, the heart behind the art. Be sure to include your website, email, and phone should someone be interested in your work. My contact info: droe@lwccyork.com or 755-0089 x126.

Connecting Artist to God

Worship is a state of spirit. The meaning of the New Testament Greek word most often translated “worship” (proskuneo) is “to fall down before” or “bow down before.” It’s from the inside out, with purity of heart and openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit within us. I visualize worship as a mingling of my spirit with the Holy Spirit.

Typical ways of worship: Music on Sunday mornings, singing, silent prayer, raising hand towards heaven, standing up, kneeling.

But we are not all created the same. What may be a way of meaningful worship to one may not be so meaningful to another. God’s wired us all differently. I feel close to God and am lead into a spirit of worship when I'm in nature, particularly with my dSLR in hand. Observing every little thing, being in amazement of God's grace and creation, I attempt to capture the moment digitally with my camera. I look for God through my lens. As artists, we may experience God powerfully through the creation of an art project. Your creativity very well may be the special "language" between you and God - a way of Him speaking to you and you listening and responding. How are some ways you experience God and “fall down before Him” in worship?

Can you consider, as artists, that our creative/artistic bent can be a powerful way to meet with God, to hear His voice, to feel His love, and receive His grace all in the context of worshiping Him? Art is way more than creating something asthetically pretty. It can be a prayerful reflection of your life with God, your translation of how you see the world, and a significant way to listen to that still small Voice speaking into your heart. What is He saying to you?

Grace & peace,

deAnn

Congrats Photographers!

Here is some EXCITING NEWS! Tony Schlies and Jutta Stallman of LW's photography group, APERTURE, had photos published in the recently released "Capture York" hardback and very beautiful book. This is so awesome! Congrats to our published photographers!

I was at Borders Bookstore the other week and saw it there in the Local Area section, near the coffee bar area. It's a gorgeous book and is on my Christmas list. Obviously you can pick up your copy at Borders or you can order it online. I'm not even a York native, but I sure want a copy.

Grace & peace,

deAnn

Second Wind Pottery Open House

I bet you didn't know there is a cool potter that lives in Yoe, Pa! Jill Pellegrino is her name and she's having her annual Holiday Open House this weekend. See the post card above for dates and hours. It's totally worth a stop by. And maybe pick up a few unique one of a kind gifts for those on your list!

Grace & peace,
deAnn

Poetry & Prose Getaway

While looking for a weekend getaway, I came across this Poetry and Prose Getaway in Cape May, NJ. It's January 15-18, 2010 and there are many interesting workshops. I love the idea of it being a "writers' getaway." Sounds awesome... Check out the website for more info.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

York Art Association

Last night at the studio, Jutta mentioned the fabulous exhibit at York Art Association that happens to run only through Sunday, 11/22. The YAA website is not the greatest so I couldn't find any real info about it, however, I did find that the gallery hours are: Monday-Friday 9am-3pm and Sunday 2pm-4pm. They are closed on Saturday. So, if you are in the mood for looking at some nice art, head over before 4pm on Sunday.

If you interested in the YAA Nov/Dec newsletter, click here.

Enjoy the upcoming weekend!
Grace & peace,
deAnn

"Far Away Places" Exhibit 11/22 to 12/27

This Sunday, 11/22 starts our new six week exhibit featuring the stunning watercolor paintings and acrylic paintings of Pam Rolf. Be transported to far away places through her stunning artwork. This exhibit also features the woodworking artistry of Don Patton. You can see his work in the display cabinets in The Gallery at Common Grounds. This exhibit will be up through the end of December.

Be sure to pick up the gallery companion booklet, The Heart Behind the Art. Find your copy in the coffee bar lobby.

Grace & peace ~
deAnn

The Studio - Wednesday

This Wednesday, Nov 18 is the artists gathering - the studio. We meet in the coffee bar art gallery from 7-8:30pm. Come into community with artists who love Jesus and desire to see their artistic gifts used to bring Him glory.

At the studio this month, we'll talk about a collaborative art exhibit in our gallery for the month of January. We'll also have thought provoking discussions about the arts and faith. I hope you can join us!

If you have any questions, please contact deAnn Roe at 755-0089 x126 or via email.

PAGES Cancelled Tonight Due to Illness

Thursday Pages

Attention Writers and Poets...

This Thursday, 11/12, is the monthly PAGES writers gathering. It begins at 7pm and goes until 8:30pm. We meet in the large conference room that is located across the hall from the church kitchen.

The way PAGES works is we spend the first 30 minutes chatting and connecting as writers, this is where the community is formed. Then at 7:30 we launch into an hour of silent writing. If you have a writing project currently under way, please bring it. If not, we will provide several writing prompts for you to choose from. The objective for that writing hour is to ... write. It's a fabulous time of christian writers practicing their gift all at the same time, in the same room. It's a powerful time and God always shows up. It's awesome.

I hope you can make it! If you have questions, please call deAnn at 717-755-0089 x126 or simply email deAnn.

Until then!

grace & peace,

deAnn Roe

"Honored To Serve" Exhibit

This exhibit is a special one. It doesn’t feature the artistic abilities of creative people. However, it does feature the journey of those in our church family who have served, or who are currently serving, in the US military. As November 11th is Veteran's Day, we felt it is a very appropriate time to host this unique exhibit that runs Sunday, 11/8 to Sunday, 11/15 at The Gallery @ Common Grounds, Living Word Community Church.

Every person has a history - a story written with many chapters, each being core to our lives. You will see many personal items and memorabilia that share a brief portion of these soldiers’ stories and the hardships and struggles they endured. The purpose of this exhibit is to honor a specific chapter in the lives of those who sacrificed and gave of themselves in service to our county.

Over the two weeks of this special exhibit, “Honored to Serve,” we hope you visit the Gallery @ Common Grounds Coffee Bar and experience part of stories represented through uniforms, photographs, historical memorabilia, and personal items.

Be sure to pick up a copy of the gallery exhibit companion booklet, The Heart Behind the Art.

Grace & peace,



deAnn Roe
Director of Creative Arts
LWCC York 717.755.0089 x126 droe@lwccyork.com

Give and Take Art Exhibit

Give and Take Exhibit
at York College of PA

Many of our artists, Melody Martin and Joanne Schiavone, will be participating in this very forward thinking art exhibit. Hope you can come out and support the local arts and our artists.

Here are the details:

Nov. 2-20, 2009
Cora Miller Gallery
Reception/Discussion: Nov. 2, 2009 at 7:00pm
Addressing Poverty through Art, Religion, and Politics
DeMeester Recital Hall - Wolf Hall"

Give and Take" is an interactive, living exhibition in which a group of artists have created works dealing with ideas such as meeting the needs of others and having one's own needs met, ridding oneself of excess, and addressing problems communally and individually. Visitors will be asked to participate in the life of the project as well. "Give and Take" is about cooperation and reciprocity.

On Saturday, November 20, the exhibition will officially conclude with a "Giving Thanks" Food and Clothing Drive to benefit our neighbors in need. The even runs from 10:00am-2:00pm in Wolf Hall. Refreshments will be served and guests are encouraged to bring clothing, food, and cash donations.

PhotoWalk @ Cordorus-TODAY

Check out the Aperture blog to hear that the Fall Scatter PhotoWalk sponsored by VisualRealia is still happening today at 1pm. Click here for the details.

Grace & peace,
deAnn

Inklings ONLINE

Here is the long awaited Fall Edition of INKLINGS for your reading pleasure. Enjoy! :0)

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Fall Edition of INKLINGS

The Fall Edition of Inklings is hot off the press. You can pick up your copy in the Common Grounds Coffee Bar (on the ledge right inside the entrance). Enjoy!

Next week I'll post when it will be available to read online.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Thursday Pages TONIGHT

Hi writers and poets ~ tonight is our monthly PAGES gathering. Bring your laptop or writing notebook and be prepared for uninterrupted writing time!

We begin at 7pm. The first 30 minutes we connect as writers and talk about the writing life and creativity - then at 7:30 to 8:30 - WE WRITE silently. Bring a project you are currently working on or we'll have some prompts for you to choose from.

See you at 7pm tonight in the large conference room, which is right across from the church kitchen door.

grace & peace,
deAnn

Art In Motion

I like to post local art events that happen in the York area. I just got a postcard from York Arts detailing the Arts In Motion event that's coming up the end of this month. It sounds pretty fun and interesting. Click the links to check it out.

It's aways great to support the local art scene. York is trying hard to have one! They just need people to show interest.

Grace & Peace ~ deAnn

Donating Love Through Food

This Friday is our special worship service, Encounter: 10/2 from 7:30 - 9:00 PM. After Encounter we invite you to Common Grounds Coffee Bar for dessert and to interact with the new art exhibit in the gallery, The Textures of York.

In the main lobby area and in the coffee bar area, we'll have Rubbermaid totes for you to donate canned and other non-perishable food items that will be delivered to York Rescue Mission. Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming and what better way is there to show love for others than by donating much needed food to our local community.

Here's an idea: If you shop at Giant and get the bonus card savings, that is a GREAT way to think "donation." When something I usually buy is, say, "buy one, get on free" or "10 cans for $10" - I just put the extra ones (the bonus buy items) in a bag and donate them - this time on Friday night at Encounter to support York Rescue Mission. I hope to deliver a well stocked minivan full of food to YRM on Monday, 10/5. And you can help fill up the van!

See you Friday @ Encounter and then in the coffee bar for some time to connect with friends over dessert and coffee and food donating.

Grace & peace,
deAnn

Fall Edition: Inklings

I'm sad to say that the Fall Edition of Inklings will be a week late. Instead of being ready for your eyes on Sunday, 10/4, look for it on Sunday, 10/11. I hope it's worth your wait!

Grace & peace,
deAnn

Fall Scatter PhotoWalk

Some of you joined the York City PhotoWalk in July, sponsored by Andy Smith of Visual Realia. It was a great time with lots of people, some of which traveled from MD and DE.

I just got email from Andy regarding a Fall Scatter PhotoWalk at Cordorus State Park. The leaves will be near peak, what a perfect time for photography. Below is all the information about it. I hope you can make it. I know several of us from LWCC plan to go. Hope to see you there!

Grace & peace,

deAnn

Fall "Scatter" PhotoWalk

Sunday, October, 18, 2009
1:00 PM
Codorus State Park, Near Hanover, PA
Sponsored by Andy Smith of Visual Realia
http://www.visualrealia.com/

From the event web site:
"Join other photography and outdoor enthusiasts as we explore the marina area of Codorus State Park, located near Hanover, PA. We’ll meet at 1:00 for a group photo and basic info, then split into groups as we look into the nooks and crannies for great photography finds. We’ll gather back at our starting spot around 3:00 and share photos, light snacks and conversation. Later, we’ll share our photos online for all to see."

Following the successful photowalks in Gettysburg, Harrisburg and York, I wanted to find a new spin or two for the next walk. Here goes:
1) Instead of a preset two mile route, we'll cover the marina area of the park in small groups, heading whichever way we'd like. Walkers can be aggressive and cover a lot of ground, while families with small children can follow the whims of the kids. We'll also always be within a reasonable distance of the public restrooms, and our date selection should put us fairly close to peak color in the lower portion of Pennsylvania.
2) We'll gather at a set time to share photos, stories and just enjoy each other's company. If everyone brings a small finger-food snack to share, we can eat during our gathering without requiring a lot of utensils and make clean-up an easy task. More on snacks later.
It doesn't matter what skill level you are as a photographer, and any camera is fine from an top-notch SLR to an inexpensive point and shoot. This is a perfect family event! Encourage the kids by giving them a disposable camera of their own.

Never participated in a photowalk before? Check out the Previous Walks page on the web site:
http://www.vrphotowalks.com/
(Check back… the site will grow as we add more info.)

I don't wish to spam anyone with unwanted emails, so email me to join the Codorus Fall Scatter Photowalk email list if you'd like to receive future updates on this walk. If you have any questions, email.

Note: I'm announcing this with a little less notice than usual, so if you have the ability to share the info online or with friends and family in any way, I'd appreciate your help in spreading the word.

Thanks! Hope to see everyone there.
Andy
---------------------------------------------------------------
Andrew Smith
ostman4200@comcast.net

September Pages Recap

September 10th

Wow! What a turn out (although not everyone was able to be there) for our most recent Pages gathering! It is so fulfilling to talk and write with other writers. So thank you to all who were able to make it, and hopefully those that were not will be able to make the next one (October 8th).

We talked about a variety of topics in writing - from what projects we were working on at the moment to being painfully real in our writing. Thank you all for making my job a little less intimidating while I stepped in for deAnn that night. We then wrote for forty minutes.

See ya at the next gathering!
Emily

Encounter is Back

It's been two years since we've had an encounter worship night. So we are really really excited to have one in just a few weeks.

On Friday October 2nd Living Word's Worship Arts team is hosting the next encounter … an evening designed to slow down and worship.

But wait … there’s more! This evening is being planned in conjunction with [the Arts @ LW] and the opening of a new gallery exhibit on the Textures of York. After Encounter, head on down to the Common Grounds Coffee Bar and enjoy the artwork of the new exhibit. Desserts and coffee will be available as well. What a night, huh?

PLUS … a non-perishable-food drive to support our local food bank (Thanksgiving is just around the corner!) Boxes will be placed in the lobby and coffee bar for food donations, should you feel lead to participate.

If you are interested in a four-in-one event for free please block Friday October 2nd beginning at 7:30 on your calendar and join us for a special evening celebrating the God of this City!

Thursday Pages, 9/10

Hello writers - tomorrow, Thursday, 9/10, is our monthly gathering.

We took off August - but September is here and soon fall will greet us with a crisp chill in the air. I can't wait! Fall is my favorite time of year. It invites me into my big comfy chair where my mind can run free on the pages of my notebook. I seem to write more fall through spring than I do in the summer.

Anyhow, I digress... Let's welcome fall with writers gathering tomorrow night at 7pm in the large conference room at LWCC. Bring your notebook and pen or your laptop. The first 30 minutes will be catching up on the writer's life then the following 60 minutes, we'll launch into a time of silent writing. Bring a project you are working on or we'll have a variety of writing prompts for you to choose from or be inspired by.

Grace & peace ~
deAnn

Gallery Booklet for the KidzArt Exhibit

I hope you are enjoying the awesome Treasure Park Kid's art work currently on display in the Gallery @ Common Grounds. Click to read the gallery booklet, The Heart Behind the Art.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

the KidzArt Exhibit at LWCC

Every summer, we like to have an exhibit by the creative kids of Treasure Park, grades 1-6. This year we have an outstanding display of their creativity and talent.

Each child submitted their art work according to the theme, “God Created…” and I’m so pleased to have 3-D art this year, which you can find in the gallery cabinet in the coffee bar corner, near the kitchen doors. Please take time and experience the amazing art work and read about the artists in "The Heart behind the Art" gallery booklet (you can find that in the coffee bar ledge, next to the TV.) By early next week the gallery booklet will be online as well.

This exhibit runs Sunday, August 30 to Sunday, September 27.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Practically every adult can recall elementary art classes and their ability to create with freedom. As a young girl, I sat at our family’s dinning table for hours lost in imagination. All I needed was my box of colorful crayons or Play-Doh. I would dream up a kingdom of animals, castles, and princesses, then bring them to life on paper or through sculpture.

And He said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3

The childlike desire to create often gets lost when we become adults. That passage from Matthew speaks deeply to me. I’m left to reflect: How can I apply that passage to my life and “become like a little child”—through my God-given creativity? How does God want me to express my faith and love for Him through my art work? Questions I will continue to ponder.

deAnn Roe
Director of Creative Arts
LWCC York 717.755.0089 x126 droe@lwccyork.com

Where You Least Expect It

I recently posted about noticing beauty where you least expect it on the Vertical Creativity blog. If you'd like to read, click here.

"Photography records the gamut of feelings written on the human face, the beauty of the earth and skies that man has inherited, and the wealth and confusion man has created. It is a major force in explaining man to man." ~Edward Steichen

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Last Week's Art Night!

On Friday, 8/14, was our first Arts Night @ Common Grounds. Graffiti artist, Ramon Trevino, the current gallery artist, shared in depth his story and how God captured him and then released his creativity for use in meaningful ways! Meaningful Graffiti. Not two words you'd naturally put together. But when God's behind it, they are a perfect fit.

Not only did we get to hear Ramon's heart, he gave us a demonstration - we all wondered how you get a thin line with the spray can. Well, there are different spray nozzles to put on the can of your choice. They are interchangeable! Genius! And the paint he uses is not purchased in Lowes or Home Depot. Evidently, Germany is known for their graffiti artists and they produce professional graffiti spray paint. That is where Ramon gets his supplies, online.

There was a time for questions and we used every second of it, picking his mind about graffiti and gangs, and vandalism, and graffiti art vs "tagging" - Ramon has lived in the illegal graffiti world many years and now, as a creative artist in love with Jesus, he still crosses over, but this time - to shine His light into the darkness through his love for God, the art of graffiti, and the kids who are caught up in the negative aspects of that sub-culture. God's really using Ramon's influence. His new name is "Redeemd:1" as he proclaims his life redeemed. But it doesn't stop there - he feels that God wants to redeem the world of graffiti, as well.

Graffiti artists are people with no place to paint, so they resort to factory walls, trains, and mini-malls. Ramon would love to have a place where these talented people, mostly kids, can express themselves in a legal and safe way. Maybe God will open up a door for that to happen!

His website is called RedGraff. He does murals and canvas work. He also teaches kids about graffiti and the tricks of the trade (on canvas! not for illegal use.) At Arts Night, his wife, Abby, was wearing a RedGraff tee-shirt that cracked me up, "Support your local graffiti artist." I'd like one of those.

Thanks to all of you who attended in support of the Arts Ministry at LWCC and for supporting our local, very talented, artists.

"Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?" Benjamin Franklin

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Crazy River Hike

Okay, so I've been sick with bronchitis and a wicked sinus infection for the past three weeks. I've taken so many sick days from work that I had to tap into my vacation time. Needless to say, I was crazy tired of being cooped up in my house. So, Saturday, my husband and I went down to the Holtwood Dam area for a little fresh air and sunlight. Of course I took my camera, with anticipation of a leisurely walk along the river bank. However, my husband, the mega-adventurer, dragged me all over the place - through thick brush, over walls made of rock, across water, and up gigantic rocks. Before I knew it - we were on a rock island in the middle of the Susquehanna. I was exhausted from the wild hike. He kept on going as I perched myself on the sun-slathered hot rock, absent of any shade. The good news is that there were countless photo opportunities!

The photo above is from a little pool of water on TOP of this super high rock. Either the river gushed with flood waters recently or this is a gathering of rain water. I don't know. As I pondered this, a siren blared down the canyon. It was then that I recalled all the "DANGER" signs on the way in. Yes, when you hear that siren, you MUST exit the low lying areas of the river because they are about to release water from the dam. Being paranoid that I was going to die on that rock, my common sense kicked in, "This rock is too high, I'll just be stranded here, surrounded on all sides with raging river water. All while my husband is God-knows-where, hiking on other mysterious rock islands."

A little punch of life growing out from the solid rock. Intriguing how plants can find ways to take root in materials other than the forgiving soil.

A view from my rock island - looking upstream to the Holtwood Dam. The siren was correct, water began to pour over the spillway... not a good feeling. But it makes for pretty photo! The road above is Route 372.

Inside one of the rock-top pools were these ity-bity lillypads (or something like that.) They were so cute and delicate. Taking advantage of the direct sunlight and growing happily.

Standing on the river's edge, I snapped this shot. I really like the bold colors of the green grass and the bluest of blue on the bridge. It was a gorgeous, yet HOT, day. It was fun watching my husband jumping from rock to rock, as if he was reliving moments from his childhood. And good thing - the sirens for the water release - I never noticed a difference in the water levels...

OH, I don't have the image here, but we did see a beautiful bald eagle soaring overhead. I was so mesmerized by it's grandeur that I forgot to snap a photo. But after a few minutes, it graced us with his presence again, and I have an image of it. Albeit, it's not great - but you can see clearly that it's a bald eagle. Maybe I'll post that photo later this week.

Never stop getting out and experiencing the beauty that surrounds us.

grace & peace ~ deAnn

All photos in this post are copyrighted (c) 2009 by deAnn Roe of Vertical Creativity.

August - the studio - cancelled

This weeks studio has been cancelled.

We'll gather again in September, 9/16 at 7pm. See you then!

Enjoy the rest of your summer! It's zooming by quickly!

grace & peace,

deAnn

Pages Cancelled

Hi Writer's,

I'm sorry, but tonight's PAGES is cancelled because I'm quite sick, bronchitis and sinus infection.

See you on September 10 for the next PAGES gathering.

Happy Writing!

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Arts Night ~ Friday 8/14

This Friday, our first ever Arts Night @ Common Grounds. Come meet the current gallery artist, Ramon Trevino, an established graffiti artist. You'll hear his powerful journey from being "Wasted:1" to "Redeemd:1" and he'll help us understand the graffiti culture. If the weather is nice, we'll see him do his artwork on a canvas outside on the patio.

Here are the details:

Friday, 8/14

7:00 - 9:00 PM

Common Grounds Coffee Bar and Art Gallery

Enjoy Seattle's Best Coffee

Hang out with friends and meet new friends

Support the Arts @ LW and local artists

See you this Friday!

Grace & peace,

deAnn

director of creative arts

LWCC York

717-755-0089

email: deAnn

Painting Course

As part of their Community Education program, York College is offering a Painting course.
Location: York College
Days: Mondays
Dates: Oct. 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 2009
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Tuition: $90

"This course is for persons who always wanted to learn to paint. It will cover painting basics, brush control, shading, color mixing, and much more. This course will give you the how-to's of painting and get you started."

For more information, email oced@ycp.edu or call 717-815-1451

Writing Course Offered

As part of their Community Education program, York College is offering "How to Write and Publish a Novel."

Location: York College

Days: Tuesdays

Dates: Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3/10, 17, 24, 2007

Time: 6:30-8:30 PM

Tuition: $160

"Have you ever thought about writing a book but weren't sure how to go about it? Would you like to know who to put your ideas in writing, create a plot, find time to write, properly format your manuscript, and choose a publisher? This course will answer all these questions and more."

For more info, call 717-815-1451 or email oced@ycp.edu

Digital Photography Class

York College is offering a Digital Photography class as part of their Community Eduction program. After reading the class information, it sounds really awesome. Click here to read the details. Here is the blippet that is in their print material:

This class is designed for those who want to learn about the digital camera and how to use it creatively, how to communicate with the computer, edit, create video/slide shows, and much more.

But you can get way more info on their website. Check it out! The price seems to be good, too.

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Comment Magazine

Any time I hear of something that artists' or writers' may be interested in, I post it here on the Arts blog. Check this one out. You can also sign up for email newsletters from Comment Magazine. Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Comment Magazine is seeking contributors for its weekly 1,000 Words feature. They showcase emerging and established photographers, painters and other visual artists, by posting a new photo online each week with accompanying artist statements. Participating artists receive exposure to 3,500 weekly readers, and two years' complimentary subscription to the quarterly print Comment.

Comment invites artists to submit a piece of work to be considered for inclusion in this feature. It will be reviewed and, if accepted, prepared for web publication online. Invite your friends, colleagues and family members to join this exciting feature, and become a part of the Comment community! To participate, email managing editor Dan Postma at: dpostma@cardus.ca.

Arts Night @ Common Grounds

Arts Night @ Common Grounds

Come meet the artist, Ramon Trevino, hear his journey from “Wasted:1” to “Redeemd:1,” learn about the graffiti culture, and see Ramon demonstrate his art work.

Friday, August 14

7:00—9:00 pm

in the Coffee Bar @ LW, Common Grounds

Summer Inklings Online

Click on the image above to read the summer edition of Inklings online.

The Heart Behind the Art ~ Online

If you've not been to the LW coffee bar, Common Grounds, recently, stop by and check out Ramon Trevino's graffiti fine art.

To read Ramon's awesome story of redemption, click here to read the gallery companion booklet online, The Heart Behind the Art.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Redeemd:1 at Gallery @ Common Grounds

The Gallery @ Common Grounds

Check out the graffiti artwork of Redeemd:1, Ramon Trevino in the coffee bar at Living Word Community Church. Exhibit runs from July 19 - August 23, 2009

"The Heart Behind the Art" ~ Ramon Trevino

I call myself a Graffiti Fine-Artist. My roots as an artist are in graffiti, but I also enjoy using other mediums and styles of painting. I started drawing around the age of 10. I watched my older brother draw and he really inspired me. When I was around 12, I moved to Lancaster City, PA from Pasadena, TX and, being influenced by the “City Hip Hop” lifestyle, my attention was quickly drawn to graffiti art. There was something about drawing letters, twisting and bending them, and using spray paint to color and blend them in different styles, that attracted me; it seemed like the possibilities for designs were endless. When I was 14 or so I moved to Florida for one school year. Often, we traveled to Miami and I was captivated by the huge murals along the highway; that became my inspiration and motivation to begin to pursue graffiti art. I began to buy paint and I rode around on my bicycle painting the backside of mini malls. At that time my art represented “being the best” or just being “creative.”

Shortly after that school year we moved back to PA where I got into drugs and chasing girls. I stopped doing art for a while because I was so distracted by trying to find out who I was. On rare occasions when I drew, it was very dark and mostly related to drugs or other immoral things. This went on through high school, which I barely passed. Surprisingly, in 1996 I was accepted to an art school. It was there that I developed a taste for drinking, drug use, and unhealthy relationships. Finally, I reached the end of myself. I began attending church once again and in 1997 I decided to live for Jesus. I joined the Marines later that year and halfway through my four-year tour God gave me a vision which unlocked my buried desire to be a graffiti artist.

Back in the day my graffiti name was “Wasted: 1” inspired by my poor lifestyle. While walking the streets of Waikiki, HI, I shared with my wife the new desire I had to become a graffiti artist. However, now living for Jesus, my art had to be different because I was different. I had to come up with a new name, so we started rattling off positive words that had to do with our faith in Jesus. And so was birthed “Redeemd: 1” and spelled wrong because I had to be creatively different. I’m also known as “Red: 1,” for short.

I didn’t know what it would look like, but I knew I loved Jesus and I loved graffiti art. As a young child I always had this dream of being an artist, and during the last five years God awakened that dream in me once again. Up until this point I always thought of my art as a “nice Christian hobby,” but after attending a weekend seminar on God-given destiny I realized that He had bigger plans for me. This came while I was pastoring youth and I struggled with my identity. Finally, after months of prayer, life-coaching, and soul-searching, God gave my wife and me the green light to step out and pursue the dream He had given me as a child to be a full-time artist.

What is the dream that’s lingering in your heart?

Ramon Trevino, Redeemd:1

www.redgraff.com