“WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE CHRISTIAN ART WORLD”

Right now? Not too much except in the realm of Architecture: ie new church buildings, Cathedrals and such. The Christian Decor in these structures tends to be very beautiful, inspiring, awesome even, especially in the Catholic edifices. In the Protestant world the Art seems to be somewhat subdued to say the least, rather dull, practically non-existant, probably due to the influence of the Reformation where music was given first preference as a worshipful accomplice.

We do see an occasional outpouring of “works of faith” in nearby colleges, especially those connected to the church. Some Galleries might even feature inspiring motifs, Icons, quilts, even some paintings (however abstract they might be). Catholic convents used to be a source of some lovely, truly spirit inspired works, but those seem to have gone the way of the habit. Sculpture always plays a close second to smaller, less expensive pieces. Bronze castings being costly and very heavy to transport, however lasting they might be to the future.

Most churches nowdays tend to rely on “professional” artisans to come up with Art to be enjoyed by their congregations.  Sunday School teachers, Bible Class leaders and such used to volunteer their talents to come up with scriptural decorations for their Sanctuaries, though they were not meant to be really lasting, usually going along with the worship season, then to be changed to suit the new season. These were usually found materials, felt and cloth or paper, scissor cut-outs and such which often awed their viewers, rather than illustrations for the printed bulletins, etc.  These were more festive, resembling religious fairs or Renaissance Celebrations.

Catalogs are usually available for Candles, Brasses, Crosses and such, but works of Art. Not much. One can always contact the Vatican to have a sculpture made of Carrara Marble or some large screen of carved and finished wood, perhaps a large font for Baptisms. The Holy Land is even a resource for small olive wood sculptures that are very beautiful. However, these items fall into the realm of a “church Committee” and they often cannot see the reality of coming up with the funds, or for the ideas for display for such items….this falls into the area of Architectural enhancement.

Now to the the various types of art that artists now create. Painted or drawn works tend to be made on paper and paper doesn’t cost that much. However, the talent to make that paper worth while in a Worship Setting, runs into a bit, especially if the work is to be properly preserved by a competent framer. People do this every day for their children’s drawings, finger paintings, art works from school…certificates of merit, Pastor’s credentials for the office, etc. Why not for a beautiful inspiring work for the beauty of the Narthex, Chapel, and/or the main Sanctuary.

This, of course, enters into the realm of large canvas works, again, framed perfectly for their protection and safety. Large fabric banners of one sort or another visually add to the beauty of any Sanctuary. These large, colorful pieces, of religious inspiration are most suitable for any worship space and bring a sense of peace and contemplation to a large rather bare space. Carefully hung to fit in with the furnishings of the place, beautiful cloth banners or canvases depicting Christian teachings through imagry (rather than just large letters) will thrill those attuned to the beauty of the work.

In our day and age of a superb amount of materials available, there must be a splendid  amount of gusto around to use these things to the enhancement of our Sunday Morning Worship, as well as those many weekly events that take place in our Sanctuaries. They are not just for Sunday morning I’m sure. What do you think?

Teague’s recently opened a show entitled “Celebration of the Trinity”…and we hope you will be able to join us in the Gallery. The show runs through December and was created to honor our Washington State Pastor’s Conference now taking place. Come visit the gallery and be inspired!

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Photo: ‘The Annunciation’, acrylic painting by Wendy Kosloski