Dec 31, 2010

Being Made

One night when I couldn’t sleep, my mind wandered in prayer to the upcoming gallery exhibits. That’s when this crazy idea came to me—a whole exhibit featuring unfinished works of art, everything in a process of being made, just like us. We are all unfinished works of God’s creativity—being made into His image with every breath we take.


It’s easy to see that some of these pieces are not finished. For a few others, it’s harder to tell. But to the artist who created the piece, it’s clear to him/her that they are not yet done. In church, we may see someone and think “wow, they have it all together,” but the fact is, they are still a work in progress, just like you and just like me. This side of heaven, we are unfinished, undone, and being made. Messy and mysterious, yet in His hands, we are being crafted into the person He longs for us to be...if we aren’t resistant to His work in our lives.

As you look upon this unique exhibit, may you sense God’s creative handiwork in your life and embrace it as He completes the work He’s doing in you. Like the artwork hanging in this exhibit, you too, are being made.

"Being Made" runs January 2 through January 30, 2011 at The Gallery @ Common Grounds. Be sure to pick up a copy of the gallery booklet, The Heart Behind the Art: Being Made. Click here to read it online.
 
Grace & peace,
deAnn

Dec 23, 2010

Love Came Down


Merry Christmas!
 May you sense the presence of God's love and grace flooding your heart during this special time of year...and beyond into 2011.

many blessings to you,
deAnn Roe

Dec 20, 2010

AMOKArts


Through Facebook, I became a friend of Pastor Dave Weiss. He has a blog called AMOKArts Tribe: A blog for anyone interested in using art to serve others and glorify God. He creates many short videos and finds some really cool ones online as well. Check out his blog.

Grace & peace ~
deAnn

Dec 14, 2010

Special Edition of The Studio

Don't forget about the special edition of The Studio - Wednesday, 12/15 at 7pm. Meet the current gallery artist, Matthew J. Carpenter and hear about his work in photography and love for the art. Seattle's Best Coffee and sweets will be available as well.

Looking forward to seeing you there!
Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Dec 9, 2010

Pages - Cancelled tonight - SO SORRY :0(

Hi writers & poets,

Let me start off by saying I'm praying 2011 will be easier on me, health-wise. Geez. I'm battling a ridiculous cold virus that has left me totally wiped out. I worked today and just can't muster up the energy to stay until 9pm tonight. Please accept my apologies. I feel like a flake. And a crumb at the same time.

I'd rather not give you what I have, just in time for the holidays to get into full swing.

I'll be in touch,
Enjoy the evening with family or writing silently in a quiet corner of your house or Borders or Starbucks or Panera... :0)

grace & peace,
deAnn

Dec 8, 2010

Thursday Pages - Tomorrow!

Hello writers and poets!

If you aren't busy shopping, decorating, or wrapping Christmas gifts, please come do what you love: write.

Tomorrow, Thursday, December 9th, is our monthly writers group - Thursday Pages. Just bring your notebook and favorite writing utensil OR laptop and a desire to be with other writers. We meet from 7:00-8:30 PM in the large conference room across the hall from the church kitchen. There will be a sign on the door.

Hope to see you there!!

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Dec 1, 2010

Special Night at The Studio

Our monthly artists gathering this month, The Studio, will be a special one. Not because it comes just 10 days before Christmas but because the current showing artist in The Gallery @ Common Grounds, Matthew J. Carpenter, will be here and will share his love of photography.

Matthew is a graduate of Messiah College, majoring in Adventure Education. While at Messiah, he took several photography classes and fell in love with the artform. He has much experience in the dark room and using a variety of cameras and films. To read more about him, click here.

The Studio is Wednesday, December 15 at 7:00pm in The Gallery @ Common Grounds, Living Word Community Church. We hope you come to hear Matthew's story, view his outstanding photography, hang out with other artists, and drink an unlimited supply of Seattle's Best coffee and feast on festive holiday sweets, just in case you didn't get enough at Thanksgiving. The evening will be awesome, I'm sure of it. See you there.

Please email me with any questions...

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Nov 22, 2010

Nov 18, 2010

The Rapids


There is a river of creativity running through all things, all relationships, all beings, all corners and centers of this universe. We are here to join it, to get wet, to jump in, to ride the rapids, wild and sacred as they may be.

~Matthew Fox

Nov 16, 2010

The Studio - Cancelled (sorry)

I'm sorry to do this, but I'm realizing my energy levels are not 100% back yet post-op. This week I change the gallery over and it's a nice big exhibit. Therefore, I think I need to cancel The Studio tomorrow night (Wednesday) and use that time & remaining energy working on the gallery.

HOWEVER, you can still pick up your artwork from the current exhibit. I'll be working from 5-9pm tomorrow night. You can find me in the gallery OR in my office. If the office area is locked, text me or call me: 542-9024 and I'll let ya in to get your work. :0)

Thanks for understanding and we'll meet again for The Studio in December and do something fun for Christmas. And if your creative mind has any ideas about what that could be - send 'em my way. I love collaborative efforts!

grace & peace,
deAnn

Nov 15, 2010

Cancer-free Reflections

I've been reflecting on the past month's health chaos and asking God to show me how to move forward in light of the cancer-free diagnosis...where do I need to make changes and begin living a fuller life. A more loving life. A more creative life. A life more aware of His presence.

Faced with even a THREAT of cancer can change your perspective. What a gift this past month has been...

I can't describe the gratitude I have for all the prayer lifted up to God on my behalf. The pathology report declared no lymphoma or other cancers. However, I have been diagnosed with the infammatory disease - sarcoidosis. I'll continue to trust that His will be done in my life and through my life.

God is so good.

Grace & peace,
deAnn

Nov 11, 2010

Thursday Pages - Cancelled

Hi there writers and poets - I am sorry but I'm going to cancel Thursday Pages tonight. My surgery went well on Tuesday but I'm more wiped out and sore than I anticipated. I hope you still take the hour and half that you had set aside for tonight and spend time writing, developing the voice God has given you.

See you next month!

thank you for understanding...

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Nov 8, 2010

Thursday Pages

The months are clicking by faster than I can keep up! This week, Thursday, November 11, is our monthly Thursday Pages writer's gathering from 7:00-8:30pm in the large conference room across the hall from the church kitchen. Bring your laptop or notebook and favorite writing utensil.

NOTE: Please check back to this blog on Thursday to be certain that Thursday Pages will in fact happen. I am having surgery tomorrow (Tuesday) and presume I'll feel up to faciliating on Thursday. If I'm not able to, I'll post it here. Thanks for understanding!

God willing, I'll see you on Thursday.

Grace & peace,
deAnn

Nov 3, 2010

Creating in the Valleys of Life

doctor

At the studio, October 20, I shared that earlier that day I had seen a Pulmonologist due to a chest CT scan that came back funky. The lymph nodes in my chest region are enlarged and they spotted two other "densities" that are U.F.O.'s (unidentified floating objects, haha). The lung doctor referred me to a Cardiothoracic surgeon, to whom I meet with tomorrow morning, Thursday 11/4, for a surgical consult. They want to remove one of my ugly lymph nodes, test it and, hopefully, rule out lymphoma or metastasis (a cancer that begins else where in the body and metastasizes in the lymph nodes.) I hope they rule them out too! The lung doctor is leaning towards a diagnosis of sarcoidosis, but because I'm young (at 40, yay!) and have a young family, they want to be aggressive and catch anything really bad before it's too late. I'm good with that. I guess.

I'm feeling pretty good now, emotionally, thanks to the gazillion prayers offered up on my behalf by amazing friends. But those of you who attended the studio last month saw a very scared and heartbroken side of me. Thank you for your grace and compassion that evening. The news was just so recent, having been to the doctor earlier in the day. I wanted to cancel the studio but for the whole week prior God had inspired me with a particular idea. If I cancelled the studio, I would have cancelled what God had put on my heart for that evening. So, with every ounce of strength left in me, I proceeded with the studio. Not without blubbering and tears, however. :0) 

The idea was to prayerfully listen to the song by Casting Crowns, "Your Love is Extravagant," and then move into a creative project continuing in a prayerful spirit. We were to paint or draw whatever came to mind or heart. Just spend time with God before the "canvas" or sketchbook and see what happens. This idea God had for me the week prior was genius, as He knew I would have a difficult doctors appointment on the same day as the studio and that I needed to fulfill His idea - it was to help me see Him amidst this challenging news of my health.

About 12 people attended the studio. Some drew with ball point pens, others with charcoal or pencils or markers. Others used watercolors or acrylics. I painted on a small 8"x6" canvas with acrylic shades of black, purple, white, gold, and silver. None of us set out to create a particular piece, instead, we listened to that still small voice and created out of a place of prayer before our Creator. It was a very sweet hour.

Big uncontrollable tears fell from my eyes as we listed to the lyrics:

Your love is extravagant. Your friendship, it is intimate.

I find I'm moving to the rhythm of Your grace.

Your fragrance is intoxicating in our secret place.

Your love is extravagant.


Spread wide in the arms of Christ,

Is a love that covers sin.

No Great love have I ever known.

You consider me Your friend.

Capture my heart again.

Capture my heart again.

As soon as the song was over and I began to put paint on to canvas, using only my fingers, a peace came over me and I was suddenly energized. I had no idea what I was painting, I had no subject in mind. I just paid attention to the colors and how soft the paint felt between my fingertips and the canvas. The lyrics replayed in my head over and over and a form began to take shape. I just went with it as I surrendered my creativity to the Creator.

After about 45 minutes, it was time to close the studio gathering. We briefly shared what that experience was like and even shared our created pieces. It was really moving to hear and see how God spoke to each of us through our open hearts and creative spirits.

The piece I created is certainly no Monet. It will never be sold in a gallery or hang in a museum. But to me, it speaks of the way God holds me close especially in the valleys of life and I’m reminded of the extravagant ways that Jesus loves me.

October 2010 PaintingMy painting… 

I was so blessed by the time to play with paints with a heart centered in prayer. I connect with God in very intimate ways through my creativity. And He knew I needed to draw near to Him that night, and still to this day. As I prepare to talk with the surgeon about how he’s going to remove a lymph node from a very tricky place near my heart and lungs, I continue to snuggle into the wings of Christ. Then, as we receive the pathology report noting a final diagnosis, be it sarcoidosis, lymphoma or other cancer, I will still be singing, “No greater love have I ever known. For you consider me Your friend.”

Capture my heart again…

Grace & peace ~

deAnn

Click here to hear the song.

Nov 2, 2010

Fear of Doing

HeaderImage_2

Donald Miller just posted this on his blog. It’s a short read, but a good one…check it out.

Grace & peace,

deAnn

Oct 26, 2010

Tandem Journey

Renee B. is a sweet and gentle woman. I first met her on Easter of this year. Now we see each other at least two times a month for Thursday Pages and The Studio, both of which are artistic communities here at LWCC. Recently she started a blog called Tandem Journey and I'd like to share it with everyone. Please take a look.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Oct 19, 2010

The Studio - Wednesday, 10/20

"Happy in Blue" by Bex Czik
The Studio - LWCC's visual artists gathering is tomorrow night, Wednesday, October 20 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM in The Gallery @ Common Grounds Coffee Bar at Living Word Community Church.

Enter the coffee bar entrance, go down the hall towards auditorium, turn LEFT at the hallway. We'll be in the first room on the LEFT, room A103 E. OR, for a short cut - you can get to the room by cutting through the kitchen.

The plans for the evening are coming together as He inspires me with an idea. At this time I ask you to bring your sketchbook and pencils, or canvas and paints/brushes, or paper and pastels, etc. As the idea comes clearer, it could potentially be a pretty cool exercise. God always surprises me with ideas for the studio!

It will be great to see everyone again...
grace & peace ~ deAnn

Oct 14, 2010

Plein Air Painting in Easton

plein1

 

Yeah, call me a geek…but because my last three cars have been Subaru's, I get the Subaru magazine, DRIVE. The October issue has a neat little story about Painting En Plein Air – In July, there is a festival in Easton, MD which is specifically for en plein air artists. I’d love to attend next year. (Not as an artist, but as one who walks around observing the art created by others.) We’ll drive our Subaru, of course. haha!

I hope you enjoy this article.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Oct 13, 2010

Art House America

Here's a must-see website, Art House America. You can also "like" them on Facebook, which I just did. :0)
Check it out...
grace & peace on the creative journey ~ deAnn

Oct 12, 2010

Thursday Pages!

This Thursday, October 14 at 7:00 PM is the monthly writing group, Thursday Pages. Bring your notebook and favorite writing utensil or laptop... or even a typewriter! Remember those?

We meet in the large conference room across the hall from church kitchen. Do you have a writing project in the works? Do you have an idea that needs to be poured onto paper? Bring them or we'll provide you with writing prompts if you want something fresh to spur on your creativity.

Hope to see you there! Contact me, deAnn, if you have any questions.

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Oct 8, 2010

"The Names of Jesus" Art Exhibit


It's up and it's looking good. "The Names of Jesus" art exhibit features thirteen artists from The Studio (the visual arts community of LWCC). You will see acrylic paintings, sculpture, photography, glasswork, sterling silver work, watercolor, pencil, graffiti fine art and and installation art.

Tonight, Friday, October 8, after the encounter: a night of worship, is the gallery opening in The Gallery @ Common Grounds Coffee Bar of Living Word Community Church. Encounter is 7:00-8:30 pm. The Gallery Opening is 8:30-9:30 pm. Coffee and light snacks will be available. We hope to see you at Encounter and the Gallery Opening tonight!

"The Names of Jesus" exhibit is up until November 14. Be sure to pick up your copy of the gallery companion booklet, The Heart Behind the Art, from the ledge in the coffee bar lobby. Or to read it online, click here.

Grace & peace,
deAnn

Oct 5, 2010

October Inklings, At Last!

Inklings FINALLY hot off the press!
The printer and I are now BFF's. Unlike the other day, when the printer decided it wasn't going to play nice and print the October Inklings for me. But, we're all good now. So, as you can tell from the image above, you can pick up your copy of the October Inklings from the ledge in the coffee bar.

Or if you'd rather read it online, click here.

Enjoy!!!

Grace & peace, deAnn

Sep 29, 2010

Encounter & Gallery Opening

encounter_fa10

An evening of worship at Living Word’s encounter followed by the gallery opening of the next exhibit, The Names of Jesus, in The Gallery @ Common Grounds Coffee Bar. This exhibit is a collaboration of artists from The Studio – the artist’s community. We even have an “artist from afar” participating in this exhibit: Lionel Phillips who follows [The Arts @ Living Word] blog as a resident of New Zealand. He’d love to attend The Studio, but geography is getting in the way!

Encounter is Friday, October 8, 7:00-8:30 pm in the main auditorium. Then follow up the powerful time of worship by joining us in the coffee bar for coffee and tea. Light desserts will be available. View the new exhibit and read about the artists who created the work by picking up a copy of The Heart Behind the Art, the gallery companion booklet, which you’ll find on the ledge in the coffee bar lobby. It will also be found online by checking back to this blog.

The Names of Jesus exhibit runs Friday, October 8 to Sunday, November 14, 2010.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Sep 28, 2010

Writer's Eye @ YorkArts

Attention York Area Writers of All Ages!

"The Writer's Eye" Competition

Each year YorkArts holds a writing competition called The Writer’s Eye. This competition links the inspiration of writers to the creative vision of artists. This year, participants are invited to write a poem or short story in response to the artwork from the "In-Betweens” exhibit that runs Sept. 30 - Nov. 20, 2010.

The Writer's Eye competition begins Sept. 30 and runs until November 29, 2010. Visit...ors are invited to take a self-guided tour or schedule a guided tour of the exhibit. The competition is open to students in grades 4-12, college students, and adults. Entry forms should accompany submissions, download the form at http://www.yorkarts.org/writers_eye.htm

Prizes will be awarded in the following age groups:
Category 1: Grades 4, 5, 6
Category 2: Grades 7, 8, 9
Category 3: Grades 10, 11, 12
Category 4: College and Adult


1st Prize: in each category is a $50 gift card
2nd Prize: in each category is a $25 gift card
3rd Prize: in each category is a $10 gift card

Additionally, all participants will receive ribbons, and the winning works are also published in The Writer's Eye booklet. Deadline for entries is 5:00 on Nov 29, 2010. An awards ceremony will be held at YorkArts on Feb 4, 2011.

For more information and downloadable entry form go to http://www.yorkarts.org/writers_eye.htm

Happy Writing! deAnn

Looking for Something to do This Weekend?

SugarLoafLooking for something inspiring to do this weekend, the first weekend in October? Well, head on down to the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. The famed Sugarloaf Crafts Festival is Friday & Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 10-5. Kids under 12 are free and parking is free. No need to fear raindrops as this event is indoors. Tickets are reasonable too: $9 at the door or order them online at $7 each. Click here for all the details.

There will be interactive demonstrations which include wheel thrown pottery, wood turning and metal spinning. There will be a special ironforging demo by Nick Vincent.

Sounds pretty darn cool. I hope you can make it!

Grace & peace on the creative journey ~ deAnn

Sep 22, 2010

On Photographing Art…

Classic Art and old man

Here is an interesting article from the New York Times about whether or not it’s legal to photograph art in a gallery or museum. It really makes you think…

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Sep 21, 2010

October Inklings Coming Soon!

Inkings Cover image

I'm formatting the October edition of Inklings this week and it's going to be a great issue! You can find your copy on the ledge in the Common Grounds Coffee Bar lobby at Living Word starting Sunday, October 3.

In this edition, there is a section dedicated to the written art of Haiku. I hope you will be inspired by this form of Japenese poetry and try your own Haiku.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Sep 16, 2010

Creative York

Creative York is a cooperative effort among York County's arts and culture orginaztions to connect creative people with opportunities for learning, sharing, and growing their talents and knowledge.

Click here for the Creative York Arts + Culture Guide as a .pdf. Check it out, good stuff happening in York!!!

Grace & peace, deAnn

Sep 14, 2010

Toilet Paper Roll Art


I remember when my boys were toddlers, they found hours of joy playing with empty toilet paper rolls - their imagination was endless!! Well, French artist, Anastassia Elias took that imagination further than I've ever seen. Check out her Rouleaux portfolio. You will be blown away, and maybe even inspired.

Grace & Peace ~ deAnn

Sep 13, 2010

Haiku Poetry



Check out Diane's writing blog. At Thursday Pages last week I introduced Haiku to the writers and we spent some time working on poems. Diane posted several on her blog, "Encouraging the Heart."

Here are a couple links about Haiku:

Try your own Haiku.
First line - five syllables
Second line - seven syllables
Third line - five syllables

Send your Haiku to me and it just may get published on this blog!
Have fun!

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Sep 8, 2010

Redeemer Arts

Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City is a huge and vibrant church, one that openly wraps their arms around the arts and encourages the link with the spiritual journey. Because of this passion, their blog is one of my favorites to read: Redeemer Arts. This church is headed up by Senior Pastor, Tim Keller, maybe you've heard his messages online. If anything, if you are an artist who loves Jesus, their blog is one to check out!

Grace & peace on the creative journey ~
deAnn

Sep 3, 2010

Long's Park Art & Craft Festival This Weekend!



Long’s Park Art & Craft Festival Again Named Top Show in Country.


LANCASTER, PA -- Once again the Long’s Park Art & Craft Festival has been selected one of America’s leading fine art and craft shows. Art Fair SourceBook, the leading national rating organization, just announced that Long’s Park was ranked the No. 3 fine art show in the country and the No. 6 fine craft show.

The rankings are compiled by the Oregon-based Art Fair SourceBook, compiled from 2009 audit reports they received from art and craft show exhibitors who participated in more than 600 shows across the country. Rankings were based on net average revenue generated by these exhibitors.

“The ultimate test of our show is how much our guests like the exhibitors we’ve invited to Long’s Park,” explained 2009 Long’s Park Art & Craft Festival director Amy L. Marberger. “All four days of Labor Day weekend show our guests were voting with their wallets as they shopped Long’s Park. To have them support our exhibitors in such a big way means that our independent jurors knew their stuff and our dedicated volunteers
supported their work.”

The Long’s Park Art & Craft Festival will be held rain or shine Labor Day weekend, Friday, September 3 through Monday, September 6, 2010.

An estimated 1,000 artists from across the country are expected to vie to be a part of the 32nd annual show. From these applications independent jurors will help select 200 of the best of the best to exhibit.

Martin Insurance Company executive Amy Marberger has directed the Long’s Park Art & Craft Festival since 2006.

Approximately 20,000 guests from across the Mid-Atlantic region are expected to attend the 2010 Long’s Park Art & Craft Festival. The event has become a Labor Day weekend tradition since its founding in 1979 to help underwrite the free, 13-week Long’s Park Summer Music Series. The Long’s Park Art & Craft Festival is produced and sponsored annually by the Long’s Park Amphitheater Foundation.

Long’s Park, a beautiful 80-acre, city-owned park at the Harrisburg Pike/Park City Center exit of Route 30, is located at 1441 Harrisburg Pike in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Sep 2, 2010

Be Still...

Photography by Lionel Phillips (c) 2010


Once again, our artist friend from New Zealand, Lionel Phillips, has blessed us with another beautiful image. Here is what he has to say about this piece:

This is a lake very close to where I work. One very foggy morning I rushed down there to take this photo. Ín the quiteness of that morning the Lord clearly reminded me again to be still and to slow down. It's a bouy in the middle of the lake. It reminded me of the scripture in Psalm 46 verse 10. I love singing that song too. Sometimes were are too busy to hear God's voice and sometimes we have to slow down and listen. I pray that it will bless someone and in discouraging times it will remind them to sing the 46 Psalm. God Bless.


For the glory of God alone.
Lionel
 
Thank you Lionel for the beautiful image and written reflections. You are so right, we must slow down to hear His still small voice...
 
Grace & peace,
deAnn

Aug 31, 2010

Right Brain vs. Left Brain


I posted this fun little test a couple years ago on my Vertical Creativity blog. It's worth bringing back. Click here to take the test. Let me know if you agree or disagree with the results. It's just for fun, nothing really scientific here.

Grace & peace,
deAnn

Aug 30, 2010

John Cleese on Creativity

Watch Video on YouTube

This is a great little talk by English comedy actor, John Cleese, on creativity. If you are a visual artist, please continue to listen to his talk as it's about creativity in general, but using his craft, script writing, as the example.

I really needed to be reminded that in order for creativity to come, we must exit our busy lives and create boundries of space and boundries of time. One thing I would add to his talk is ideas come, in my opinion, from the Holy Spirit. Which is why we need need to slow down, be still and connect with Him in order for His ideas to flow through us...

I hope you enjoy this video - it's worth watching, a good ten minutes.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Aug 28, 2010

YorkFest!!



Don't forget about YorkFest today and tomorrow in downtown York. The weather this weekend is to be spectacular - plentiful sunshine and in the mid 80's. Can't beat that! For a schedule of events: click here.

Come on out and support the arts! Let's not let this quote ring true: "Art is dying because the need for art, the sensitivity and the love for it, is dying." Milan Kundera from Encounter 2010 through IAM.org

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Aug 27, 2010

Herkimer

This is my babygirl's little stuffed toy.
Since she's too young to name him, I took the liberty and named him Herkimer. You'll see why...

When you were little did you have an imaginary friend? (Maybe you still have one!?)

I was about 4 when I found Herkimer while fishing with my dad on the rocky banks of the Sacramento River in Redding, California. Herkimer was bug-like, a cross between a praying mantis and dragonfly, although, Herkimer didn’t fly. He fit in the palm of my hand and I carried him everywhere, sometimes in the pocket of my jeans or my sweatshirt. Herkimer, or Herk for short, was my closest friend. He listened to all my stories, watched me color in my Holly Hobby coloring books, went along on our family camping excursions, and he particularly loved splashing around with me in the frigid snow-melt water of Hat Creek. I loved Herkimer. And I loved that my family loved him too. I remember my mom asking me, “How’s Herkimer today?” Then in my wild child-like imagination I shared, in agonizing detail, all the adventures that he had had since sunrise. My imagination was a fun-filled playground that never closed.

Then I became an adult. But, at age 40, I still vividly remember Herkimer and how much he meant to me. I plan to encourage the imagination of my daughter as she grows up into the woman God has intended. The ability to imagine is from the One who imagined the universe and everything in it – then He called it out of imagination and into existence.

Today, in my prayer time or times of solitude, I use my imagination to picture Jesus sitting beside me, or to paint a picture in my mind of a story from Scripture, or to daydream about the glories of Heaven. When I “see” it, I can see it. Know what I mean?

Imagination. We are created in the image of God. We have imaginations because He does first. Our imaginations, however, can also poison us if used in unhealthy ways. But, when used for His glory – amazing art, written pieces, beautiful meals, gorgeous gardens, warm environments, etc., bless us and others. That’s awesome.

So, as a child, did you have an imaginary friend? If you are brave enough to share, click “comment” at the end of the post and tell us about him/her/it.

Grace & peace on the creative journey ~ deAnn

Aug 26, 2010

Don Miller on Writer's Block


Donald Miller, the author of Blue Like Jazz, has a blog. If you aren't getting the RSS feed, you  may want to check it out and subscribe. On Monday he posted this article: Writer's Block~What To Do When the Well Runs Dry.

The last point he writes: Pray. I’m a firm believer that God brings us things to write about, word pictures to paint, ideas that are good for the world. Pray and wait.

Pray and Wait. Challenging to do (the waiting part), but OH SO GOOD when we do...

Many blessings on your creative journey ~ deAnn

Aug 23, 2010

Art from Afar

[The Arts @ Living Word] Blog has readers from all over the world. One of the farthest readers we have is in New Zealand, Lionel Phillips. We'd LOVE to have Lionel join us for our monthly Studio artists gathering, but... he'd miss breakfast the next day with the long flight home. Haha! So, remotely, he'll join our community by sharing his photography with us from time to time. The above image is one of his and I just love love love it. Here are his words about his art: "I have included one of my recent photo projects which I self assigned as I meditate on Gods Word. God always give me a creative vision when I read from His Living Word.Once God has given me an idea it can sometimes take a few months for it to come together. The item I used here was actually dumped as rubbish."

From trash comes beauty. That's wonderful, Lionel! Thank you for reading our blog and for participating in our arts group from afar! Please send me more of your work so I can post it. It's awesome to see how God's people all over the world are using their creativity to bring glory to Him.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Aug 18, 2010

Location for The Studio tonight

Hi there everyone!

Tonight’s Studio will be held in the coffee bar but in room E & F instead of C & D, where we usually meet. To get to E & F, come in the coffee bar entrance and walk as if you are going to the auditorium. Take the first LEFT hallway and then E & F are the first 2 doors on the left.

It will be a small group (it’s summer time and that happens, which is why most ministries shut down over the summer – BUT NOT THE ARTS MINISTRY.) so, if you can’t make it after all, please text, call, or email me. My cell number is below.

Thank you! See you soon ~
deAnn
717-542-9024

Aug 16, 2010

The Studio: Wednesday


Hey Artists!
This Wednesday, August 18, is the studio. Bring your sketchbook and pencils. More details on Wednesday!
see you then ~
deAnn

Aug 13, 2010

Perceiving by Cliff



Above photography by Cliff Kern (c) 2010

Thanks Cliff for sending in your photos from the July Studio activity. We've seen some great stuff. Hope to do this activity again at the studio before it gets dark early.

Grace & peace ~
deAnn

Aug 12, 2010

Pages is Tonight at 7pm

Hello Writers!
Tonight is Thursday and it's the second Thursday of the month - you know what that means... PAGES! Bring your notebook and favorite writing utensil or laptop and see you tonight at 7:00 PM in the large conference room at LWCC (across the hall from the church kitchen).

Grace & peace,
deAnn

Aug 9, 2010

Perceiving by Micah


Photography by Micah Neff (c) 2010

Thank you, Micah, for sending in some photos from the July Studio activity. I always enjoy seeing what others have seen, in the way they've seen them.

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Aug 8, 2010

Upcoming Local Art Festivals

Red Lion Street Fair

WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010 (34th annual) - 9AM to 4PM

WHERE: Downtown Center Square of Red Lion PA (intersection of Routes 24 and 74) in York County, Pennsylvania.

DESCRIPTION: Over 150 local businesses and vendors set up stands to entertain, inform and offer unique treasures. Crafts, foods and art fill the streets of the downtown. Historical displays plus hot rods and dance performances are also planned. Balloon twisters, face painting clowns, and all day dunk tank (manned by PTC Youth Services.) Red Lion Tours and Travel provide a bus for free shuttle service between the parking at Red Lion Area Senior High School and the street fair all day. Lion Pharmacy and the Borough itself offer the use of the downtown Center Square and parking lot for the main-stage performances.

Vendors Wanted!

CONTACT: Sandy Mundis at "info @ rlaba.com" or 717-244-0886

WEBSITE: http://www.rlaba.com/.




Yorkfest Art Festival

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday - August 28 & 29, 2010 - Rain or shine.

Friday August 27, 2010 - Reception at York Arts Gallery 6PM to 8PM

Festival Hours: Saturday, 10AM to 5PM; Sunday 10AM to 4PM

WHERE: Streets of York PA - Pershing Avenue from Market to Philadelphia Street - along the Codorus River (surrounding the Colonial Courthouse) in historic downtown York PA.

DESCRIPTION: York's premier fine arts and music festival with more than 80 fine artists from all around the country, free family entertainment and hands-on arts activities, and a community jazz concert.

Participation in the Juried Exhibition is open to all artists and crafts persons. Fine art and fine craft in all mediums are acceptable. Entries must be original and completed within the past two years. Work should be of high quality and craftsmanship.

CONTACT: York City Recreation and Parks at 717-854-1587

Webpage with some information: www.yorkarts.org/yorkfest.htm.

Links to other Websites about York Pennsylvania:
Website: http://www.yorkcity.org/.



Annual Bridge Bust


WHEN: Annually - always held the first Saturday in October.

Saturday, October 2, 2010 (22nd annual) - 8AM to 4PM

WHERE: Veteran's Memorial Bridge joining Wrightsville PA and Columbia PA. (York County PA and Lancaster County PA.)

DESCRIPTION: Annual arts and crafts festival with more than 300 antiques, crafts, arts and food vendors plus entertainment held on the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge (officially known as Veterans Memorial Bridge) joining Columbia and Wrightsville PA. Free shuttle services will be available. Proceeds from this event benefit the Susquehanna Valley Visitors Center. This is a very popular event and draws over 20,000 visitors. (There may be a waiting list for vendors. See Website for more information and vendor application.)

CONTACT: Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, 717-684-5249

WEBSITE: www.parivertowns.com/bridgebust.php.

Get out and enjoy all that local arts has to offer!
grace & peace ~ deAnn

Aug 7, 2010

KidsArt Exhibit 3.0

To conclude the summer and celebrate "Back To School," The Gallery @ Common Grounds will have the third annual KidsArt Exhibit running August 29 through October 3.

Them theme is "God Created..." and all artwork is submitted by the kids in our children's ministry, Kid::Life, grades 1 - 6. It's always a colorful and fun exhibit - perfect for the last days of summer. Be sure to pick up a copy of the gallery companion booklet, "The Heart Behind the Art," which will be available in the coffee bar beginning Sunday, August 29.

It's so awesome to witness a child spotting his/her artwork hanging nicely in the gallery. Their eyes light up and they run to find their parents or friends and bring them back to where their art is displayed. It's just so cute! Artists they are... Artists we hope they remain into adult hood.

Enjoy this upcoming exhibit!

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Aug 6, 2010

Kick-Start Your Muse




YorkArts is offering the class, "Kick-Start Your Muse"
$65 • Wednesdays, September 1-Oct 6 • Morning Class: 10 AM - Noon or Evening Class: 6:30-8:30 PM


Instructor: Carol Clark Williams

This writing-intensive class is loaded with prompts, suggestions, and inspiration to get your poetic muse into action! The final two classes will employ poetry analysis and critique, culminating in a public reading of your own poems. Ages 18+
 
YorkArts is located at 10 North Beaver Street, York (717) 848-3200

Aug 5, 2010

Got URL?


Are you an artist? Do you have a website or blog that features your artwork and passion for using your creative gifts? If so, please email me your link and I'll post it here on [the Arts @ LW] blog!

grace & peace
deAnn

Aug 4, 2010

Mt Gretna Outdoor Art Show


If you are lookig for something fun and inspiring to do on August 21 and 22, head on over to the Mt Gretna Outdoor Art Show. Maybe I'll see you there!




Grace & peace,

deAnn

Aug 2, 2010

Perceiving by Roxanne




All photo's are by Roxanne O'Reilly (c) 2010

Thank you, Roxanne, for sending in your photos from the studio in July. That exercise, I thought, was very relaxing! Never know what you'll see until you slow down in order to... see.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn