Sunday, December 7, 2008

General Karitos promo video

General Karitos promo video.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Christian Artist Robert Mullenix's Work To Appear at Merchandise Mart (Chicago)

Robert Mullenix, a fine artist based in Ohio, will have his paintings displayed in a much larger show at Chicago's Merchandise Mart, on the 7th floor. He is a Christian who happens to be an artist. Although his themes are not always directly Christian, they are consistent with looking at the glory of God, with piece titles pointing Heavenward.

The show is December 4-7, 2008.

The Artist Project Show
http://www.theartistproject.com/

Robert Mullenix's art site
http://rwmullenix.blogspot.com/

Saturday, October 11, 2008

LEAST: A CHANGE IN ME – Artists Impacted by Relationships with the Least

LEAST: A CHANGE IN ME – Artists Impacted by Relationships with the Least
October 23, 24 and 25, 2008 - West Chicago, IL

See Wheaton Academy's website for more.

Brochure

WHAT: A student festival of art honoring the LEAST
WHY: Relationships with the LEAST have transformed our hearts, minds, and lives.

“What you begin to learn is that giving and serving have little to do with what we have; they are expressions of who we are.”– Kori Hockett (Assistant Principal, Wheaton Academy)

“The LEAST have shown me what it looks like to rely on God completely. And frankly, they do a much better job of relying on God than I do.” – Erica Nellessen (Student, Wheaton College)

“We might possibly need the LEAST more than they need us so that we can learn that quality of life doesn’t come from material possessions – it comes from within and from what we care most about.” – Rae Thompson (Student, Wheaton College)

"Whether it is the financially poor or the poor in spirit, the LEAST have shown me to love at a simpler, in-the-moment kind of way.” – Matt Hockett (Video Teacher, Wheaton Academy)

"We all have seasons of life when we are the LEAST, and it could be a year later when the wounds that we have, which are still healing, are exactly what enable us to see and recognize them in someone else." – Quinn Riebock (Professor, Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja)

“My faith is more like what Jesus longs it to be, I have found purpose and joy and significance I never had before, and I experienced community with my friends both here in Chicago and across the globe in Zambia that I had always wanted to find." – Chip Huber (Dean of Spiritual Life, Wheaton Academy)

“I have learned how easy and wrong it is to stick people in a box.” – Tom O’Connell (Student, Northwestern University)

"Interacting with the LEAST in Africa, I realized that all of our lives are connected. We need each other." – Mark Fernandes (Student, Wheaton Academy)

“I was reminded that regardless of distance, I share in the support and the caring of this Zambian community through prayer.” – Aimee Daniels (English Teacher, Wheaton Academy)

“The kingdom of God shows up in the weirdest places, amongst the people that seem least likely to inherit anything. And yet there it is, exploding through basketball sneakers and worn down jeans.” – Ryan Souders (Assistant General Manager, Cleveland City Stars)

“When working with the homeless, they forced me to listen, not just hear. They broke my heart and mended my heart.” – Josh Burick (History Teacher, Wheaton Academy)

“I see how the LEAST give the little they have to provide for my needs, knowing full well that I, more then they, am often the LEAST.” – Caroline Helmke (Student, Taylor University)

“Even though I was able to give her a few material things, she gave me a gift that could not have been bought – the joy that comes from having hope.” – David Petersons (Student, Houghton College)

“I stood there holding a little boy with a head enlarged and deformed; he had hydrocephalus. And through that moment, my soul would not stop thirsting to know the healing power of God's mighty hand.” – Susanna Frusti (Student, Bethel College)

“Working with a woman with Lou Gehrig’s disease at a nursing home, I saw greatness in the LEAST. All accomplishments and titles, riches and fame, forgotten…. but the lives she touched remained…and that made her great.” – Rachel Proch (Nursing Student)

“Those that the world has so tragically labeled “the LEAST” ironically have some of the most valuable and needed perspectives to make this world whole.” – Lauren Tomasik (Student, Wheaton College)

HOW: Step into this process.

Consider Micah 6:8.

And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Reflect on your relationships and community experience with the LEAST.

Respond to one of the following questions:

  • How have the LEAST taught you to act justly in our world?
  • How have you been impacted by the love and mercy you have received from the LEAST?
  • How have the LEAST moved you to a life of humility?
  • How has your view of God changed through time spent with the LEAST?

Create a piece of art that honors the LEAST:

  • Theatre – one act, monologue
  • Photography – one or a series of photographs
  • Dance – choreographed narrative piece or otherwise
  • Video – short film, public service announcement, music video, mini-documentary
  • Visual Arts – painting, graphic design piece, drawing, sculpture,
  • Music – instrumental, vocal
  • Writing – poetry, short story, essay
  • Other – art forms not mentioned above

WHEN: Submitted pieces must be received by October 6th, 2008

Festival will take place on October 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2008

For more information about the Wheaton Academy community response to poverty and AIDS, visit http://www.projectleast.org/

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Art Education for the Non-Artist: review: The Penguin Dictionary of Art And Artists: Seventh Edition (Dictionary, Penguin) (Paperback)

"The Penguin Dictionary of Art And Artists: Seventh Edition (Dictionary, Penguin) (Paperback): Art Education for the Non-Artist

I am a writer, not an artist, and thoroughly appreciate "The Penguin Dictionary of Art And Artists" by Peter and Linda Murray.

Though a dictionary, I am using it as a primer. While I am aware of major movements, schools and the artists, and, of course, the most major of works, there is so much I missed that I am reading now. Getting deeper into Picasso, Dali and Van Gogh is a must, as is learning about Dada (I am glad that never stuck).

As I read other materials in my attempt to acquire and bone up in all the arts (music, literature and the visual arts), this is becoming a strong tool for cross-referencing periods in artistic development, especially from a Western hemisphere perspective.

Each entry is encyclopedic, not like a dictionary. There are no etymologies or pronunciation help, just definitions.

What pleases me most is that I understand what I am reading. Lacking the rich artistic vocabulary is no problem. Everything is explained intelligently, simply but not superficially.

I fully recommend "The Penguin Dictionary of Art And Artists" by Peter and Linda Murray.

Anthony Trendl
http://anthonytrendl.blogspot.com/

Monday, August 18, 2008

Pablo Picasso Said That

The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place; from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider’s web.
-Pablo Picasso
Picasso holds the emotion of an artist high. What about faith?

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Must Art Have a Message?

Must art have a message? Pick your medium. Name the art, any art, any art in the deck.

About that -- only those readers playing with a full-deck can answer this one. No replacing two Jacks with Jokers.

What about it? Can art be messageless? If so, does it become, by the definition of the word, meaningless?

Unrelated, I'm jamming to online radio, WYCE, "Independent Community Radio: WYCE is an independent, community radio station serving the communities of Grand Rapids and West Michigan with its on-air FM programming at 88.1 Mhz, and reaching out to the world through online streaming on the Internet."

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Marc Chagall Said That

Will God or someone else give me the strength to breathe the breath of prayer and mourning into my paintings, the breath of prayer for redemption and resurrection?
--Marc Chagall
The answer, I say, only God can give that strength. What do you say?

Monday, July 14, 2008

What's in an Art? What's Your Thing?

I have a survey on the right. It will be posted another week or so, asking, "My art is primarily..."
  1. illustration
  2. writing
  3. dance
  4. singing
  5. painting
  6. sculpture
  7. drama
  8. other?

OK. Half of you are thinking you cannot choose just one, and the other half cannot choose at all because I left off your medium, that devious, elusive, fantastic number 8. Then, a third half (look, I'm a writer, not a mathematician) is thinking, "Illustration? Do you mean like drawing, calligraphy, cartooning, or napkin sketching?"

Since a complete list is a futile effort, how about telling me. Your art? Name it.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Celebrate Your Artistic and Religious Freedom

As the fireworks fall, and the residual smoke blows into clouds, remember the freedom we have. While many may grouse at our loss of freedoms, or what Christians cannot do, celebrate freedom.

July 5, 2008 is as free as July 4. A quieter day, but with the same liberties.

Paint, write, sing, dance, sculpt. Our God, as Rich Mullins sang, is a awesome God. Whether you shout or whisper, say it boldly.

Let freedom ring, and His glory reign.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Are You in a Christian Artist Group?

Say what? A Christian artist group? You mean, like the St. Peter and Paul Painting and Pancake Club? Sure, why not? (for you adventurous sorts, here's a recipe for Hungarian pancakes).

Ours is called "Lively Arts." Not so much in the pancake department, but there are usually enough sweet snacks to overdo our blood sugar levels.

Essentially, we're a group of artists of all flavors gathering monthly. We are serious about doing our craft well, understanding the greater aspects of art, and integrating our art and our faith.

I'm a writer; my art is poetry. There are a few other writers. Mostly, though, we are visual artists. This includes painting, but also, we have stained glass window folks, photographers, a calligraphy expert, someone making those huge banners you see in churches, and many more.

We cover the gamut of denominations: I attend a Bible church, but we've got Pentecostals, Catholics, Anglicans, Presbyterians and others. The focus is on Jesus Christ, so if that's where the person's at, then great.

As Jim Croce once sang, "If you're walking my way, I'll walk with you." Croce's song otherwise doesn't relate, but I like it.

We'll talk about events in art, like a local gallery showing, discuss hard questions of faith/art (like symbolism and abstraction), pray, and show-and-tell. It isn't Sunday school, nor is meant to be. Rather, we're just trying to learn what it means to be an artist and a Christian without compromising either, with God always at the top.

Sometimes we do a hands-on project. While, as I mentioned, visual arts are not my thing, I could appreciate the glory of God in a deeper way after working on snowflake cutting (serious stuff here -- this isn't what you did in first grade with the dull scissors).

I learned, for example, the creative process Tim Botts followed when developing a large commissioned calligraphic design is much the same as what I follow when writing a 10-line poem for Decision Magazine. I heard that others deal with apathy, discontent and frustrations, and shared in the joy of seeing the published book of one of members.

Tell me about your group. Give me the low-down, with ideas and contact info (if it is an open group).

Monday, June 23, 2008

Christian Art: Does It Exist?

Christian Art: Does It Exist?

Let's deconstruct this pretentious question:

Define
  1. Christian
  2. Art
  3. Existence
Next, put these back together
  1. Christian existence
  2. Art existence
  3. Christian art existence
Semantics? Maybe so, but meaning is part of art, isn't it? If we cannot understand the depth of the question, we will struggle to understand the depth of the answer.

What do you think? No pat, contrived, Hallmark Greeting Card replies: tell what you really think, and why. If you've got examples, Scripture or science to back it, even better.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Submission Deadline - June 30 - Karitos 2008 Gallery Exhibition

Karitos Arts Conference 2008 Gallery Exhibition
Submission Deadline - June 30 - Karitos 2008 Gallery Exhibition

Eligibility
  • All conference attendees and faculty are eligible. This exhibition is intended to show the work of conference participants.
  • Work must have been completed within the last 3 years. Up to 3 entries may be submitted. Open to any visual art media.
  • All 2D work must be no larger than 4 feet in any direction, must fit through a standard 34" doorway, and must weigh less than 20 pounds.
  • All 3D work must be no larger than 6 foot tall and 2 foot in length/width feet in any direction and must fit through a standard 34" doorway.
  • All work must be ready to display—no assembly! All two-dimensional work should be framed and ready to hang. All three-dimensional work should include any necessary pedestals or other display equipment.
  • All accepted work is to remain with the exhibition for the entire month of August 2008.

Jury Criteria
All submitted work will be juried on the basis of:

Its edifying value-- the work must be created from the perspective of a Christian world view and reflect such in its content as it is the intent of the sponsors to promote a Christian view of art and its role in society.

Its quality of concept and craftsmanship--excellence matters!

Calendar

  1. June 30 Submission deadline.
  2. July 6 Notification mailed.
  3. July 30 Artwork delivered.
  4. July 31-August 2 Exhibition at Karitos.

Entry Procedures
Submit digital photographs of the artwork(s), a concise artist's statement explaining the basis of your work, and a brief artist's biography by email to gallery08@ix.netcom.com. There is no additional entry fee.

Notification
Notification will be sent by email reply.

Delivery
Accepted work must be shipped for arrival by July 30. Delivery instructions will be provided with the acceptance notification.

Sales
Sales will be encouraged. All inquiries will be directed to the artist. Karitos does not engage in sales of artwork or charging of commissions. Artists are responsible for collecting Illinois sales tax.

Insurance
Although every precaution will be taken to prevent damage or theft, Karitos and Living Waters Community Church will not be held responsible for artwork damaged in transit, in the exhibition spaces, or while in storage. Insurance is the responsibility of the artist.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Picassos stolen in second recent Brazil art heist

Huge art heist.

Picassos stolen in second recent Brazil art heist
Reuters
SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Armed robbers stole two Pablo Picasso prints and two works by Brazilian artists from Sao Paulo's Pinacoteca Museum on Thursday, officials said, the second major art theft in the Brazilian city in six months.

The three robbers entered the museum in broad daylight and threatened security guards.

They made off with the Spanish artist's 1963 print "The Painter and the Model" and "Minotaur, Drinker and Women" from 1933, the state culture secretariat said.

They also snatched the print "Couple" by Brazilian artist Lasar Segall (1891-1957) and the painting "Women in a Window" by fellow Brazilian Emiliano Di Cavalcanti (1897-1976).

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Karitos 2008 Brochure Available

NEW - Karitos 2008 Brochure Available

Get it while it's hot.

Learn the what, where, why, who and how of the Karitos Arts Conference. It is a PDF of the mailer.

http://www.karitos.com/


Powerful Teaching & Workshops
Exciting Performances Extravagant Worship
Eighty Workshops / General Sessions
Spectacular Evening Celebrations / Special Late Night Activities

Friday, May 30, 2008

Monday, May 26, 2008

Workshop List (Preliminary)

Preliminary Workshop List

Dance

• Discovering YOUR Dance
• Using Props to Enlarge Your Territory
• Dance and Creative Movement as Intercession
• Sculpting a Dance
• The Spontaneous Movement Team
• Modern Dance
• Beginner Ballet
• Advanced Ballet/Praise Class
• Urban Praise
• Urban Praise & Beyond
• Steppin
• Processional Rehearsal
• Choreography Clinic
• Dancing for an Audience of One
• Taking Your Worship to a New Level
• MORE…

Vocal Performance

• “How to Use Your Voice!” Pts I & II
• A New Song: Improvisation in Worship Pts I & II
• "Healthy Vocal Habits”
• Orthodoxy, Orthopraxy, Orthopathos: Theology, Practice and Caring in Worship

Literary Arts

• Fiction 101—Getting Started for the Beginning Novelist
• Creating Characters—Giving Story People Life
• Creating Characters II—Giving Story People Life
• Creating Characters III (CCIII)—Emotional Architecture: How Stories Rise From Average to Art
• Creating Characters IV--Sidekicks—Effectively Populating the Fictive World
• Creating Characters V--Creating The Story Environment—Social Codes and Eroding Landscapes
• Creating Characters VI--Writing Successful Dialogue
• Writing True--Beliefs and Faith in Today’s Fiction
• Panel Discussion, Publishing, Writing Trends, Q&A
• Nurturing The Artistic Soul
• The Drive And Determination To Be A Writer
• Marketing and Promotions for Authors
• Character Development
• Writing Your Story, Telling His
• Discovering Your Writer’s Voice

Theater Arts

• Intro to Stage Management
• Intro to Set Design
• Props 101
• Nuts & Bolts of Costuming, Pt I & II
• Making Something Out of Nothing
•The Sunday Morning Sketch
• Brief History of Costume
• Drama in Worship
• Bringing the Scriptures to Life on Stage
• Acting 101: The Fundamentals
• Character Development
• Stand-Up Comedy
• Panel Sessions
• MORE…

Visual Arts

• Strengthening Your Creative Skills
• Basic Chalk Drawing
• Critiques
• The Creative Art of Business
• MORE…

The Music Business

• Don’t Get Taken, Take Control, Pt. I, II & III
• The Blapop Records Story
• Marketing & Promotions: What It Is, Why You Need It!
• Graphics: What Are They & What Do I Need to know?
• The Music of the Revolution

Worship

• Postmodern Worship
• Prophetic Worship
• Words That Awaken
• Prophetic Song (Practical Application)
• Where on Earth is God?
• Worship Leading
• David’s Worship Team: Our Life and Ministry Application
• Worshiping Warriors
• Fragrance of the King
• Releasing Your Church’s Individual Sound
• Creating an Artistically Integrated Worship Service
• Your Church: A House of Prayer or a House of Pride?
• Administrating Your Gift, Maximizing Your Effectiveness
• MORE…

Monday, May 12, 2008

Conference Highlights Importance of the Arts in Today’s Church

Conference Highlights Importance of the Arts in Today’s Church

Long ignored by many church leaders, the arts are now playing a key role in growing churches across the country. A Chicago conference that has been equipping Christians for ministry through the arts is extending an invitation to Senior Pastors to be their guests and learn more about this powerful form of ministry.

The 14th edition of the Karitos Christian Arts Conference will be held July 31-August 2 at Living Water Community Church in Bolingbrook, IL. With nearly 100 workshops covering all areas of the arts, general sessions each afternoon offering challenging messages by nationally-recognized speakers, and evening celebrations featuring extravagant worship and exciting performances, pastors have a unique opportunity to see the beauty and power of the arts when used to glorify God.

Speakers at this years conference include: Bob Sorge, whose book, Exploring Worship, is considered by many to be the finest ever written on today’s worship, visual artist and sculptor Richard Hight, and actor Alan Atwood. Other teachers include Tony Payne, Dean of the Music Conservatory at Wheaton College, Theo Williams, Director of Mimeistry International in Pasadena, CA, and New Zealand native Vivien Hibbert, Director of the Worship Conservatory, a web-based training school for music ministers.

Many churches have used Karitos both as a resource when looking for a guest artist and as a place to send their own people for training. The conference site, Living Water Church, designed with the arts in mind, might be of interest to pastors considering building a new church.

More information on Karitos 2008 is available on their website, Karitos.com, or by contacting Bob Hay @ (847) 749-1284 or bob (at) karitos.com
2010: July 15-17