Graffiti & Spoken Word Artist

So very cool. "I'm not the artist. I'm the canvas."

May you be inspired ~

grace & peace,
deAnn

Being Remade

Tonight's "show and tell" at the Open Studio was beyond words. We had about 17 people share their canvases from November @ The Studio's IMAGO DEI workshop. Some people completed all three canvases others one or two. The three canvases are The Obvious Me, The Hidden Me, and the Created Me. Hearing each person explain their prayer-filled canvases with such vulnerability and honesty was incredible. We were on holy ground.

I know there are about 17 more who participated in Nov @ The Studio but their schedule didn't allow them to attend this evening. I can bet that many of them were also deeply touched by God's presence while working on their three canvases. I felt so privileged to hear how He is moving in people's lives as they expressed themselves through their mixed-media artwork.

God is at work in incredible ways. Art reveals, it transforms, and it heals... when we invite Him into our creative process through prayer.

In April 2012, we'll have a full exhibit at Living Word featuring our Imago Dei canvases. The walls will be filled with visual stories of Jesus' transforming love. April is the perfect month for this display as we humbly move into Good Friday's message of Jesus' passion beyond imagination - we are forgiven. The celebration that the empty tomb brings is that we are being transformed more and more into Imago Dei, the Image of God.

We are being remade. We have the chance to become the person that God created us to be. Thank you, Lord.

Thank you again for the artists and creatives who participated tonight. I hope to hear the stories of those of you who couldn't attend. Maybe we'll do another "show and tell" to give others a chance to share how they experienced God's love and truth through this workshop.

Grace & peace,
deAnn

Friday's Arts Gathering

Artist Reception, Friday, 12/9 for Joseph Becker.

An awesome evening.

Thanks to Barry and Susan for providing the food and coffee!

Enjoying Joseph's art work.

Community. Love it!

At Living Word's Gallery @ Common Grounds Coffee Bar.

Joseph (white shirt) talking with some friends.

Arts Gathering.

Part of the exhibit.

What a nice evening...

Author Georgia Shaffer @ Pages!

Georgia Shaffer, author, life coach, and speaker.

We are so excited to have Georgia Shaffer share with us how God called her into a writing career. It's a great story!

Join us at a special Pages on Wednesday, December 14 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM in Living Word's coffee bar rooms A & B.

It is a privlidge to host Georgia as she shares about the early parts of her writing journey. She's a respected author and speaker and you don't want to miss this.

Hope to see you there.

Grace & peace,
deAnn

Friday, 12/9 - Meet Artist Joseph Becker

Artist Reception for Joseph Becker, Friday, December 9 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM at The Gallery @ Common Grounds, Living Word Community Church.

Please stop by and meet Joseph and see his exhibit, which spans 25 years. Enjoy Seattle's Best coffee, light appetizers, and desserts. Read the write up in the York Dispatch.

I hope to see you there!

deAnn Roe

The Created Me Self-Portrait Workshop

Doug gets creative and finds a make-shift light box.

Matt & Luke working hard.

Abby and Vince in full creative mode.

Janet is cutting and pasting.

Michelle and her acrylic paints.

Maggie's beauty.

Mali's work.

Paint blob, evidence of creativity at its best.

Jenn's mixed media piece.

Bonita's canvas.

Laura's work of art as a work-in-progress.

Renee's masterpiece.

The beginning of Jess' Created Me self portrait.

We have completed the month long theme of Imago Dei at The Studio. Three self portraits were created by each person: The Obvious Me, The Hidden Me, and the Created Me. It was a very fruitful exercise and many were touched by the creative process that was steeped in prayer.

For a special treat, please come to the Open Studio on Wednesday, December 14 from 6:30-8:00 PM. Bring your canvases from November @ The Studio and share what the experience was like. See others works and hear their stories.

It will be a cool time of sharing and continuing to build community among artists.

Grace & peace,

deAnn

I Played My Best for Him

Yes, it's only December 1st and I'll be honest, I began listening to Christas music on Thanksgiving. Christmas music has really been speaking to me. Lyrics I've heard over and over have become mute to my ears and heart. Sure I sing along merrily, but I rarely take in the rich lyrics as I have in recent years. However, God really captured my emotions 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 listened 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 the King.


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 Studio in December of 2009, I passed out these lyrics to everyone. We read through them quietly and shared anything that stood out. Some stated that they never took note of the lyrics before and really liked them. Others made mention of 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/writers 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, writing piece, etc.)

As we head into the busy Christmas season, remember the words of the "Little Drummer Boy." It has a deep spiritual message for each of us. Often we judge our "best" by how the world reacts to 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

Book Binding ~ January @ The Studio

An example of the book binding project for January.

A side view of the binding.

You have full creative freedom to create a masculine or feminine prayer journal.

We'll have lots of options for your cover and interior pages.

January @ The Studio will be mostly an instruction based workshop.  We will make a 5"x8" bound book that can be used as a visual prayer journal, a writing journal, a photo album, or a gift for someone. Artist Melody Martin will be our instructor.

The cost for this workshop is $10 and you must register here. There are limited spaces and the deadline to register is December 21. This is so we can purchase the materials and have them prepared for you on the first day of the workshop.

Dates for January @ The Studio:

January 4, 11, 18, and 25

From 6:30 - 8:00 PM

The Gallery @ Common Grounds | LWCC

Don't know about you, but I can't WAIT for this workshop!

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

December @ Pages

“Developing a Writer’s life” will continue at Pages in December for two Wednesdays, 12/7 and 12/14 from 6:30-8:00PM. Then off for the rest of the month due to holidays. Yes, only two Pages gathering but they will be awesomely JAM PACKED with great stuff.

DECEMBER 7 @ PAGES: We’ll be talking about our individual God-given purpose as writers and we’ll use the homework assignment we gave in October as a jumping off spot. It was “What book is inside you?” So if you haven’t sat down to work on that, you may want to before 12/7. :0) Bring your writing notebook and pen/pencil. We meet in the large conferece room at LWCC.

DECEMBER 14 @ PAGES: Published author, speaker, and life coach Georgia Shaffer will be joining us. She has an amazing story about her call from God to be a writer, much to her dismay (and you'll find out why). You really don’t want to miss her very encouraging story! This Pages evening we’ll meet in the coffee bar rooms A & B. (Enter the church via the coffee bar doors. Turn LEFT and head down the open hall way and the room will be on your right. I’ll have a sign outside the door. Bring your writing notebook and pen/pencil.

If you think of it, will you shoot me a quick email letting me know if you will be joining us at Pages in December. THANKS so much!
Grace & peace and HAPPY THANKGIVING!
deAnn

A Time to Retreat

My life is busy. I work full-time in ministry, have a curious and busy toddler, a son in college, another son in the 11th grade, a gracious husband, bills to pay, groceries to buy, and a house to keep somewhat clean. Sometimes my soul can feel completely depleted. Don't get me wrong, often my kids and my husband are very good for my soul...but to be honest, being pulled in so many different directions can wear a person out.

I know you can relate.

God has wired me to need times of solitude. Before my baby girl was born (19 months ago) I was in a rhythm of going on a silent creative retreat one night every other month. These retreats recharged my soul and reinvigorated my relationship with Jesus which in turn, inspired massive amounts of creativity in me. Silence and solitude was a very crucial spiritual practice for me. Dare I say, it also benefited my family and anyone else who came into contact with me... my soul felt a deep rest due to my retreat rhythm.

Last weekend was my first retreat since October 2009 and let me tell you, I was way past due! Even on the drive to the retreat center I could feel relaxation pour over me. Then when I stepped through the door of my room, I nearly burst into tears out of pure relief and an almost audible "Glad you are here to spend time with Me, just the two of us."

There are two beautiful ponds on the retreat property. One of which I spent lots of time at (pictured above). The other one was home to two huge swans and from what I hear, you don't want them angry at you. So I stayed clear!

I hiked on never-ending trails for nearly three hours Saturday afternoon, I took photos along the way and was in a constant open dialog with God. I remembered what freedom feels like. I even had the sense that God missed me the past two years - missed this intentional time together.

I looked alone, but I didn't feel alone. He was and is beside me.

Many times in His life, Jesus retreated from the hustle and bustle of the crowds and the demand of life to be in solitude with His Father, the One who sustained Him in ministry and in death. When I feel "guilty" for my desire of a silent retreat, (like I'm selfish or care less about my family) I just remember the example that Jesus set before us. Yes, throughout my daily walk, I know He's there...sometimes I'm just not very present to Him because life distracts me. He gets but little chunks of my day. But one thing I heard loud and clear last weekend while in His extended presence is that since He's wired me to need solitude, I must be intentional about getting back on track with my silent creative retreats. Every other month would be delightful and that is what I'm aiming for, once again.

To slow down means you see beauty in unexpected places. To be silent means you are more apt to hear Jesus' voice.To retreat means to fully engage your heart with God's.

May you find time to retreat, even if it's once a year. Your soul will thank you. And you'll make God's heart smile in a special way too.

Grace & peace,
deAnn

Artist Reception - Joseph Becker



White, The Fields by Joseph Becker
"Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." John 4:35b KJV

 Spring Grove artist, Joseph Becker will exhibit his collection,"Fisher of Men" at Living Word Community Church November 20, 2011 - January 1, 2012 in the Gallery @ Common Grounds.

Meet Joseph at the Artist Reception on Friday, December 9, 6:30 - 8:00 PM. Coffee, tea and hot cocoa will be served along with light desserts. Enjoy a peaceful evening in a creative environment before the rush of the holidays are upon us.

The exhibit, "Fisher of Men" represents over 25 years of faith-influenced artwork.

Contact deAnn with questions.

grace & peace,
deAnn

@ The Studio Last Night

As you can see we were a very busy and creative group at The Studio last night. We worked on our first of three mixed media self-portraits, "The Obvious Me."

There were over 40 creatives and artists creating in the context of community. It was beyond awesome. Worship tunes filled our ears along with friendly chatter, God was in the room. Many onlookers wondered what we were up too, questioned and stated how cool it was to see so many people working side by side on such a personal project.

Next week we will create our second self-portrait, "The Hidden Me." Yes, we dig a little deeper into this facet of ourselves. Click here to get the handout prep-work for The Hidden Me project.

The Studio will not meet on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, 11/23. However, we'll conclude our series of three self-portraits on Wednesday, 11/30, with "The Beloved Me."

Questions about The Studio? Email deAnn or call LWCC at 717-755-0089 x126.

Grace & peace ~
deAnn

The Obvious Me

Mixed Media art by Janelle Schneider via Google Images

The Studio last night was very inspiring. Doug Puller gave us many examples of mixed media artwork and then followed up by teaching us different techniques. I finished up with an explanation of our first of three mixed media self portraits that we'll create this month at The Studio.

The first project is The Obvious Me, the "me" that everyone sees. What are the obvious things about you? If a friend were asked to sum you up in 5 points, what would they be? I passed out a worksheet as a way to begin reflecting on who is the me that the world sees. You can access a copy of that worksheet by clicking The Obvious Me link above.

On November 9 at The Studio - I'll have a canvas panel for you and lots of art supplies. You can begin your self portrait using your reflection worksheet as a launching point. If you have items from  home that represent the obvious you, feel free to bring them and incorporate them into your piece.

The cost of this workshop is $8 which helps to cover the costs of the three canvas panels and art supplies.

To sign up, contact me, deAnn, so I can be sure you have a canvas to work with on Wednesday.

I'm so excited to begin!

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Time to Write ~ Pages Tonight

Tonight at Pages, Lisa Long will give us very tangible ways to "find" time in our busy lives to write. A gift left unused tells the giver "thanks, but no thanks." Our writing talent and desire is a gift from God. Let's develop and use that gift and please the Giver of all good things. :0) Plus, we gain so much by using our gift as well. It's a win-win situation.

See you tonight in the large conference room at 6:30 PM for Pages! Bring your writing notebook and writing utensil.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn