August 2009 Artists Work B.e.n.c.h.

Welcome to the e-magazine/blog for Artists' Work B.e.n.c.h., the Inland Empire's Christian fine arts organization! We hope you will find this to be a useful, enjoyable and worthwhile resource.

We have created a survey that we would like you to participate in when you have a couple of moments. We want to get a feel for how our members are already using their artistic talents in the community, and what obstacles are still out there for Christian artists. We appreciate your assistance, as we hope to use this as a tool to improve Artists' Work B.e.n.c.h. and develop more ideas for events, networking, education and other matters. The survey is at:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=WPDz57k2KEwNQPFt14t4Gw_3d_3d

Here are the newest items in the Artists' Work B.e.n.c.h. blog. Just click on the titles to go to the articles:


The Cafe for August 2009

Poetry Corner: Children's Party

Christian Songwriters' Showcase Has a New Home and a New Date

Third Quarter Bookclub Selection - It Was Good: Making Art to the Glory of God

Fine Arts Bible Study 10

August Happenings: Artistic Events around the Inland Empire

Artist Profile: Albrecht Durer

Local Artist Profile: David Carranza, Jr.

Master Class: Photographing Water

The Inspiration of Native American Dance


So, brew a cup of coffee, herbal tea, or whatever you like, and stay a while. This page will be updated monthly with new articles and interviews. Enjoy!You are part of a growing group.

What is Artists' Work B.e.n.c.h? This is a place for Christian artists in the Inland Empire of Southern California to mix, network, relax, share, and learn. What types of Christian artists?

1. Visual arts (sculpture, painting, glass blowing, etc.)
2. Dance (performing, choreography, etc. )
3. Music (playing, writing, learning, singing, etc.)
4. Creative writing (poetry, stories, etc.)
5. Drama/theater (acting, playwriting, directing, etc.)
6. ??????

Artists Work B.e.n.c.h. is for Christian artists: simply, people who are Christians and who are also artists. Some Christian artists make art exclusively for Christians, but many use their talents in secular ways as well (writing screenplays for television, jingles, playing in a philharmonic orchestra, acting in a community theater, displaying their paintings in a gallery, etc.) All are welcome here.

Christians follow the Creator of the Universe, and therefore should be the most creative people in the world. The church has historically been the patron of great artists. Hildegard, the writer of the very first opera, was a nun. Michelangelo, Donatello, Edward Hicks, and many others made art for church and used church subjects.

But, today, Christian art is not considered "forward" or "interesting" in many circles. This reputation is well-deserved in most cases. Christian art has become a punchline. In our own little way we hope to change some of that perception.


What does Artist's Work B.e.n.c.h. stand for?

B=BUILD new Christian artists, ministries, avenues.

E=ENCOURAGE Christian artists to use their talents.

N=NETWORK with Christian artists, churches.

C=COORDINATE opportunities for Christian artists to use/exhibit their talents.

H=HELP Christian artists and help churches utilize artists.


This group is for people who fit one or more of these categories:
1.) Just starting out
2.) Being used mightily for God
3.) Frustrated
4.) Seasoned professional
5.) Curious
6.) Talented amateur
7.) Wanting to learn/improve
8.) Not sure if God can use your talent
9.) Good enough to teach others
10.) Wondering if your talent (flower arranging, calligraphy, photography, etc.) even qualifies as art.

Christian artists--unite! Let's be creative, interesting, and forward thinking enough to lead the artistic world, while still making quality pieces that reflect our worldview.



Free Hit Counter


Free Hit Counters

No comments: