Art and artists have a place in the life and worship of the Christian community. Our God is a creative God who made physical matter with substance, function, and beauty. He gave man the ability to be creative, honoring Him with the objects of beauty we make. Art that reflects truths about our Lord and our faith in physical form gives us tangible encouragement, helps us focus on and trust in what we cannot see, and allows us to expand on our understanding of Biblical truth.
The Visual Arts Ministry seeks to develop a community within PBCC of folks who make and/or care about the visual arts and, through that community, to bring the visual arts into the life and worship of the whole PBCC Body.
If you wish to receive the monthly Visual Arts Ministry newsletter, please get in touch with Marilyn and indicate your desire to be placed on the VAM email list.
Upcoming VAM Events
Art in the Auditorium
CURRENT EXHIBIT: The Rabbi Retires – Poetry & Art from the Collection of Pastor-Poet Brian Morgan
On August 31, 2024, Brian Morgan retires from 50 years of Pastoral and Teaching Ministry at Peninsula Bible Church, first in Palo Alto and then here in Cupertino. During these years, he discovered the poem’s power…an experience that changed his orientation as a pastor. Brian says,
“I have always been passionate about teaching the Hebrew Scriptures. But it never occurred to me that teaching was just the first step in making disciples. If God’s chosen way of communicating to humankind was “story” and “poem,” then my job is to equip people to become storytellers and poets. Now my greatest delight is to give God’s people the tools in the art of Biblical narrative and poetry to acquire their own voice. The crowning moment comes when I step off the stage and listen to a symphony of voices, set free to be honest and true, engaging the living God. It is a gift that has enlarged my heart to begin to comprehend the length, breadth, and height of the love of Christ.”
Some of the poems and the two artworks in this exhibit were created in gratitude by some of the many whose lives have been impacted by Brian. The rest were written by Brian himself and represent some of the events, people, and relationships that have impacted him during these 50 years of ministry. As we read the words of his poems, we revisit them with him, and find our hearts enlarged …” to begin to comprehend the length, breadth, and height of the love of Christ.”
The exhibit runs from August 25 – November 10, 2024.
CALL FOR ART: The Good News, An Exhibit for the 2024 Advent & Christmas Season
“The angel said, ‘I bring you Good News…Today a savior has been born; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-11
Advent season prepares us to celebrate the birth of the Savior for all mankind, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Good News, or Gospel, says that Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection made salvation and freedom from sin and its condemnation available to everyone who believes in Him. The entire Bible proclaims this message, answering the questions, “What is the Gospel?” and “How does it affect people’s lives?” For this year’s Advent/Christmas Exhibit, PBCC adults and children are invited to create and submit art that addresses these questions.
Read or download A Call for Art to see details about this exhibit and a detailed discussion of the theme. Print and mail the Artists Agreement to Marilyn (address listed in the Call) or The Artist Agreement can be filled out online.
PAST VIRTUAL EXHIBITS:
Out of His Heart Will Flow Rivers of Living Water, Liquid Acrylic Flow Paintings by Tanya Khachiyan
Where to Find Organizations and Artists who Address Art & Christianity
Where to See Art Locally and Online
Workshops
NEXT SCHEDULED WORKSHOP: Calligraphy Workshop
This three-part workshop is scheduled for Sundays, October 13, 20, and 27, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Taught by Mark Anderson, this workshop is designed for those willing to devote time and effort to learn the art of beautiful writing using a method that is centuries old. Each attendee will master the use of the calligrapher’s tools and achieve mastery in at least one foundational calligraphic alphabet. It is appropriate for beginners and those with previous training and experience in calligraphy. Mark will introduce the latter to advanced alphabets when they show proficiency in the foundational alphabets. Participants will learn and practice new skills in a calm, encouraging setting. All tools and materials will be provided.
Registration will take place:
Online here beginning October 2
In-person on Sunday, October 6, after services on the PBCC Patio
Minimum age: 14 years old
A donation of $30 is suggested to cover the costs of tools and materials
Questions: Marilyn
WORKSHOP RESOURCES
April 2020 Workshop – The Passion of Jesus in Art: An Illustrated Talk by Bernard Bell: Slides of the Artwork Discussed, Handout, Video of the Presentation
July 2020 Workshop – Sea Glass Wind Chime: Introduction and 4-Part Demonstration Videos
August 2020 Workshop – Collage with a Message: 2-Part Demonstration Videos
Visual Arts Fellowship
The Visual Arts Fellowship is a group of folks interested in the Visual Arts who gather in a casual setting, encouraging and supporting one another as they endeavor to weave together their interests in art and their Christian faith. A focus of each meeting is enjoying and discussing the work brought by the artists and craftspeople present.
The date and time of the next gathering: TBA
For more information, contact Nancy.
Contact Us
Marilyn de Kleer Contact: Marilyn
Nancy Woodward Contact: Nancy
Workshops
The VAM Leadership Team is looking for a new Workshop Coordinator.
If you wish to receive the monthly Visual Arts Ministry newsletter, please contact Marilyn and indicate your desire to be put on the VAM email list.