Loading Video . . . Ileana Santamaria's work of poetry responds to the theme of "Friend," inspired by several passages of scripture: Song of Songs 5:16; John 8:12; 14:6; 15:13. Song of Solomon 5:16 John 8:12 John 14:6 John 15:13 where these things forever spring By Ileana Santamaria ​ Credits: Music Composed by Kamel Boutros Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts 2012 ​ ​ Poetry / Spoken Word Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ Borrowing the beautiful words of the Shulamite and juxtaposing them with Jesus’ words about sacrificial love as the ultimate expression of friendship, I’ve attempted in this piece to stand in the sometimes uncertain, heady place where erotic, romantic love and other-seeking friendly devotion joyfully unite to create the “haven in a heartless world” that was and is a reality for the Shulamite and Solomon and for so many others. The character here is exuberantly and optimistically getting ahead of herself as it remains unclear whether her friend desires to be her beloved. She wishes to be the Shulamite and to love her beloved as woman and with a Christ-like, sacrificial love that rejoices in their ultimate hope, together, even while still on earth – how much more so upon return to the “true country” (and here I’ve borrowed liberally from C.S. Lewis and Tim Keller, authors to whom my intellectual and spiritual debt is great). This is an invitation – simple, joyful and not a little wistful, childlike, and completely vulnerable – to take the hand of one who dares to love him and embark together on the great adventure of our journey back to the Throne of God. The piece was initially intended to be only spoken word, but Kamel Boutros, a friend and musical collaborator who has set my poems to music in the past, suggested that parts of the piece should be sung and wrote a lovely melody that highlighted the central themes of vulnerability and childlike joy nicely. He also accompanied the sung parts. My sincere thanks go out to him for contributing his great talent, creativity, and time. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Ileana Santamaría began the performing artist life as an aspiring Latin singer over a decade ago, embarking on the long journey of fulfilling an aspiration rooted in an eclectic, music-filled childhood. After much meandering, following (mostly unwittingly) where the Lord led, she happened upon a voice teacher that opened up her voice and found beauty in it, a surprise to Ileana, who had long struggled with vocal technique and producing healthy, beautiful sound. While waiting for the surprise of getting to sing, her Heavenly Father bestowed upon her many other gracious gifts – a knack for foreign languages, work in an international organization, friends from many countries and walks of life, and a talent for and enjoyment of crafting spoken word poetry, which Ileana first dabbled in producing and performing in her college years. Website Ileana Santamaria About the Artist Ileana Santamaria Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art my beloved… and my friend. not a means to this be-loving View Full Written Work where these things forever spring by Ileana Santamaria my beloved… and my friend. not a means to this be-loving but its end an end for love the greater that it would, as our Savior its incarnation did, it could lay down even life and limb and loving Him in Him we be-get love eros… agape… ever and ever the twain shall meet in you shall beat in me, my sweet my ardent and impatient heart softened by the pain, and chastened by the wait, until freed from demand and fed to fullness by its Lord of love, it can only give, can only brim, can only sate so for now let us dance take my hand, for we shan’t be long in this foreign land the real country awaits us, the true, o you, o beloved who are first and foremost friend let us delight in a love without end let us rejoice! we, the cherished little children of an ever-loving King found, by Him and by each other, hand in hand, our trail lit by the Light of the Truth on the Way! Yes, lit! by the Light of the Truth on the Way… back home to climb into His arms perfectly home, perfectly safe, perfectly loved where it is forever spring where these things forever spring Close Loading Video . . . my beloved… and my friend. not a means to this be-loving Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . The almost-human creature created by artist Blake Myers for his work, "Island," elicits a plea for unity amidst isolation in response to Proverbs 27:17. Proverbs 27:17 Island By Blake Myers ​ Credits: ​ Curated by: Evelyn Lewis 2016 70 x 22 x 12 inches Video, Plaster, Steel, Plastic, Extension cord Sculpture Primary Scripture Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance. Proverbs 27:17 Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ Drawing influence from the Proverbs verse, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another," I was thinking heavily about the idea of cooperation and empowerment, particularly in light of our current political climate. The being depicted is one that has been denied the love and admiration needed to build him stronger. He is a victim of the same isolationist sentiments that are currently prevailing in American politics. The moment that we are in calls for each of us to respond with compassion, to engage in difficult conversations, and to not let our individual differences become divisions. We must work to sharpen one another, just as "iron sharpens iron." Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Blake P Myers is a figurative sculptor/mixed media artist from New York City. At its most essential component his work responds to a prevailing sense of apathy that permits larger social and political issues to thrive. Using the body as a metaphor for otherness, his sculptures depict human/hybrid beings that are the result of neglect and abuse. These beautifully grotesque characters, while initially off-putting, ask the viewer to look past their outward appearances and empathize with their afflictions. Interweaving elements of mythology and science fiction into the work allows for the creation of a broader narrative. There is a duality present as each character simultaneously attempts to mask their insecurities/abnormalities yet searches for genuine acceptance. Ultimately, these mythic beings seek to foster an empathy that can extend to very real circumstances and very real people. Website Blake Myers About the Artist Blake Myers Other Works By Blake Myers, Island Blake Myers, Island Detail Related Information View More Art Make More Art ​ View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . ​ Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . This rich short story by public historian and author Sara Makeba Daise provides for the reader a taste of Revelation 1:1-3. Revelation 1:1-3 Blessed Are We By Sara Makeba Daise ​ Credits: Featured Image by English Purcell Curated by: Marlanda Dekine 2019 ​ ​ Historical Fiction Short Story Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ Before even choosing this text, I knew that I would like whatever illumination I offered to be grounded in Womanist theology. I choose to center Black women and the people who are most marginalized in all that I do. The short story I told is historical fiction, based on real-life events in my hometown of Beaufort, SC. Black and white people gathered on New Year’s day to hear the Emancipation Proclamation being read aloud. And when I thought about Revelations and the idea around this earth-shattering message from God, I wanted to imagine a message with that level of severity being offered in real life. I know many people think of the Bible as fiction. As a Public Historian, I know many people think of the history of American slavery as fiction. In both cases, the stories of Black queer people, trans people, non-binary people, cis women, disabled, and other marginalized folks are rarely centered. Rarely given reverence. So this was me re-imaging a story I’ve heard my parents tell countless times about free people on St. Helena Island. The idea that the message, and the messenger, and those who received the message were all blessed. And that this message would change the world. I wanted to push that further to say, if we were centering the voices of the most marginalized from the beginning, we’d all be all the more blessed. Jesus, as I have understood him, was a champion of the most marginalized. Sandy and Hurriya are fictional. But Black people being born free into an unfree world is not. I believe liberation is possible. I believe Heaven on Earth is possible. I believe that those who came before us are waiting for us to remember the Love and Light we come from. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ As a Cultural History Interpreter and Public Historian, Sara ’s work connects past, present, and future in accessible, healing, and liberating ways. Her research and praxis include Gullah Geechee women, Womanism, Black Feminism, Afrofuturism, queerness, sexual freedom, Black affirmations, and the power to imagine and manifest better worlds. Sara is a Program Assistant for The Charles Joyner Institute for Gullah Geechee & African Diaspora Studies at Coastal Carolina University. She was one of the 4 original Interpretive Aides at Mcleod Plantation Historic Site in Charleston, SC when it opened to the public in 2014. She is a living historian with the Slave Dwelling Project. She is also a Digital Archivist for Real Black Grandmothers, an online archive centering the stories of Black Grandmothers throughout the diaspora. A native of Beaufort, SC, She earned her B.A. in Communication with a minor in African American Studies from the College of Charleston, and she received her M.A. in Public History from Union Institute & University. Sara is one of the 2018 recipients of the Brian Webb Award for Outstanding MA Thesis in History & Culture. Website Sara Makeba Daise About the Artist Sara Makeba Daise Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art It was warm that day. Unreasonably warm for New Years in Beaufort, SC. Damp air blew in off the saltwater. View Full Written Work Blessed Are We by Sara Makeba Daise It was warm that day. Unreasonably warm for New Years in Beaufort, SC. Damp air blew in off the saltwater. The sweet, salty scent from the marsh filled everyone's noses. It was still early as they gathered. In hundreds. Black and white. Free and formerly enslaved. The spirits of The Ones who 'd been there centuries before were also present. Watching. Those alive and in their bodies gathered under that big oak tree on Smith Plantation. One woman, Sandy, wore her daughter Hurriya wrapped to her body in Mama Venus' old shawl as she walked deliberately toward the growing crowd. Venus hadn't been her real mama. Sandy's real mama had been sold when Sandy was just a lee gal. Ain nothin but 5 years old. Mama Venus had swept in, like the old folks do, bringing the young Sandy into her own cabin on Laurel Plantation, a cabin that she shared with her sister Osha, and three other kids. All girls. It was rare in some places. A cabin full of women-folk. But rare things often happened on St. Helena Island. The folks there expected the unexpected. Expected the rare. "What a day, Riri. What a day." Sandy murmured into Hurriya's ear. The two had arrived on foot, like most of the other Black people in attendance. Some had walked for miles from nearby plantations. Sandy and Riri, too, had made the walk from the plantation where Riri had been born. Hurriya was big enough to walk, but the closer they'd gotten to the growing crowd, Sandy had chosen to pick her up again. It wasn't fear she'd felt. But excitement. A stirring in her spirit. And affirmation. And she wanted to feel her baby's heartbeat close to her own. They gathered today to celebrate the proud Black US troops. And to hear that man Brisbane read them freedom words from Lincoln. William Henry Brisbane, a Baptist minister and former slave owner, had seen the sin rooted in his ways, sold all of his slaves and moved to Ohio. Becoming an avid abolitionist, he later returned to the South, repurchasing and freeing all but one of his former slaves. And it was he who was given the great honor of reading the Emancipation Proclamation to the people who built this nation with their bodies. "That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom." Sandy and many others on the Sea Islands had been "free" for months. Since the day of the Big Gun Shoot. White masters had fled with their families, trying to escape the Union army. Sandy had almost been snatched up that day--her Master Long violently pleading that the women and girls in Mama Venus' cabin pack up and leave with them. "You ungrateful Black wenches!" Long yelled angrily. "This war don't mean nothin! Lincoln don't mean nothin! You still belong to me, and I said ‚'Get yerselves together and come on!'" Mama Venus had looked unbothered by his rage, and communicated silently to Sandy and the others that they were not to move. Sitting in front of the open fire in their cabin, Venus just kept stirring a large pot of something faint, staring into the flames as if she couldn't hear anything. Long had left shortly after. Venus hadn't threatened him. Hadn't acknowledged him at all. His own fear or a world he couldn't explain sent him and his family along with a caravan of other white plantation owners. Attempting to outrun the root of their lies. The costs of their delusions. Sandy, Venus, and thousands of others had BEEN free for months. Free when the Union came. Free when the masters left. Free when Union troops began raiding abandoned plantation communities for able-bodied Black men to fight in the war. Pillaging for women to service their wants and needs. Free when the abolitionists and missionaries brought education and contempt for their ancient ways of knowing. Free. But Lincoln had called them "contraband." Today that was different. Brisbane read: And I hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free to abstain from all violence, unless in necessary self-defence; and I recommend to them that, in all cases when allowed, they labor faithfully for reasonable wages. And I further declare and make known, that such persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, and to man vessels of all sorts in said service. And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution, upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God. The crowd at Smith Plantation had grown to the thousands. Black and white. The Sea Islanders, the formerly enslaved dressed in their finest wares. Aprons crisp and white. Brightly colored headwraps. Their Gullah language spoken quickly and with passion. Anyone from out of town who might've heard the Sea Islanders' creole, seen the ocean of shining, Black faces, might've wondered what part of Africa they'd stumbled upon. Sandy listened intently to the proclamation, sifting through its meaning. She waited to feel seen by those bringing this long, long-awaited message. Waited for the words to match some truth she knew. And then a young man's voice broke through the crowd, piercing through the excited chatter. "My country 'tis of thee..." There was a hush. And a murmur as the young man sang. As if encouraged by those unseen spirits, other newly free Sea Islanders joined in his song. "Sweet land of liberty..." Sun shown on her face, and the face of her baby as Sandy, too, added her voice to the thousands. The song felt like a long exhale. "Land where our fathers died." Sandy sang... Thinking of Venus. Thinking of her mama. Carved out her space in time as she sang. "Let freedom ring..." Even if only remembered by her daughter. Hurriyya. No longer slave. No longer contraband. Sandy and Hurriyya were free. Their people were free. Free. She wept. Shuddered as the eloquent and prickly words washed over and through her. Other people hugged loved ones close. Men did not attempt to hide their tears. The crowd swayed and shook. Their words lifted, swirling and spiraling around the egrets whose wings flapped, seemingly bringing the voices higher. And higher. Free. Sandy smiled. Finally feeling seen. Tears slid down her cheeks, pooling in the kinky hair of her daughter. Her daughter Hurriya who knew. Who'd known before the white man came and read the words that caused her mama's heart to thump thump thump. Hurriya had known before she came to her mama. Before she'd swam around inside her. Sharing blood. Nutrients. Breath. Before being born into government-sanctioned slavery. She'd known before all of this. Came here knowing. Came here free. No. This white man hadn't brought her any new information. Lincoln wasn't offering some new perspective. They were born free. Born free into a world where folks had decided based on some supposed divine authority, that they were slaves. Hurriya giggled as the harmonies soared around and over her, reminding her of the home and love she came from. Her mama's tears reminded her of things she knew. Things she'd come here to teach. Ignited. Charged. Message received from messenger. "Free" she gurgled to herself. "Free" her mama said back. And everything around them affirmed this message. "Free to be as we are," the birds seemed to sing. "Free to be as bright as I was created to be", the sun seemed to shine. "I came into this world with everything I'll ever need," sang the birds above the crowd. "I am not to be owned. My presence is a present. A gift," spoke the grass. "We belong to no one. We are connected to everything and attached to nothing. We are one." The trees stared. "I am limitless space," the sky exhaled. And Blessed were those who gathered there. To feel everything around them affirm their freedom. And Blessed are free Black women, whose liberation necessitates the destruction of every form of oppression. Sources: Conley, Casey. "'Oh, Freedom': Hundreds gather in Beaufort to mark the 150th anniversary of slavery's end." The Beaufort Gazette, January 1, 2013. https://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/community/beaufort-news/article33493509.html Transcript of Emancipation Proclamation (1863). https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=34&page=transcript Close Loading Video . . . It was warm that day. Unreasonably warm for New Years in Beaufort, SC. Damp air blew in off the saltwater. Download Full Written Work

don-nyugen-air4th_first-supper-seating-layouts.jpg Loading Video . . . Hi, this is my third post for my Artist in Residency project for Spark and Echo. To recap, I chose Luke 22:14-48, which covers The Last Supper because it’s the ultimate dinner party. I’m attempting to create a communal evening of theatre, food, improvisation, and game playing based on these selected passages. Find the complete progression of the work linked below. Luke 22:14-48 Artist in Residence 2015: Don Nguyen Part 3 By Don Nguyen ​ Credits: ​ Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts, Artist in Residence 2015 ​ ​ Theatre Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ September 28, 2015 Hi, this is my third post for my Artist in Residency project for Spark and Echo. To recap, I chose Luke 22:14-48, which covers The Last Supper because it’s the ultimate dinner party. I’m attempting to create a communal evening of theatre, food, improvisation, and game playing based on these selected passages. The biggest obstacle I’m running into now is fear. The fear of it not working. The fear of it not being interesting and illuminating. And because this is the first time I’ve ever created an interactive evening of theatre, my biggest fear is whether or not I’m doing this right. Just conceptualizing the evening has shown that there are many rabbit holes to go down. I’m not worried about going down a rabbit hole, but rather am I’m worried about not going down the best rabbit hole. But then I tell myself it’s okay. Accept that fear. Instead of debilitating me, I need to let it free me. Just like how I approach writing plays, I need to give myself permission to write/create that really bad first draft. Have faith in the unknown. In my last post, I looked at the string of events occurring in the last supper. I thought that was the key to making an enthralling evening of theatre based on this iconic event. But upon further exploration, I realize now that equally if not more important is character. This is somewhat embarrassing for me to admit, since as a playwright, I should know this by now. But oftentimes it’s easy to forget, especially when you’re dealing with the Bible, which is so well known and so epic in nature. But here I am, now realizing that we need to know who these twelve apostles are, and who they were. Before Jesus asked them to follow him, they were ordinary men. Men who were not perfect, and I find this really intriguing. Perhaps the evening is about getting to know them better? In the book TWELVE ORDINARY MEN by John MacCarthur, he explains these apostles as disciples who “spanned the political spectrum. One was a former Zealot – a radical determined to overthrow Roman rule. But another has been a tax collector-virtually a traitor to the Jewish nation and in collusion with Rome. At least four and possibly seven were fishermen and close friends from Capernaum, probably having known one another from childhood.” So, I’m just going let go of my fear and make some specific decisions, regardless if they work or not. So for the first time, I’m sharing the “script” of how the evening will work. You’re at your computer. You are making a reservation for “The Supper” an interactive evening of theatre and food. You submit your reservation. You immediately receive an email confirmation, which states that you need to bring one ingredient and that will serve as your ticket. When you arrive at the performance, you check in at the front desk with your ingredient. You will be given a drink (beer, wine, soda). You are then greeted with a “garden show” performed by the actors playing the apostles. This garden show can consist of anything: songs, dance, poetry, etc. After the garden show, you can/will mingle with the actors. The actors (he or she) will not be in character. They will not tell you which apostle they are playing. You will spend fifteen minutes mingling with as many actors as possible. Bread will be passed around the room. You will break off a piece. When all the bread is broken, the dinner will begin. You are seated around “the table” and mixed in with the apostles. The chef creates a secret menu for the evening. The chef assigns each guest one ingredient to bring and how much to bring. Any guests not assigned an ingredient brings some kind of dessert to share. Three specific prompts for dinner conversation will be given. For example “taxing the rich” One of the apostles will start the conversation based on this prompt, all while giving clues as to who the apostle is. For example, the actor playing Matthew might say “you know what people hate more than tax? The person who collects it from them. That was me. The most hated man in the world.” When the conversation has covered these three prompts, the apostles line up and the guests vote on which actor is playing which apostle. So how does it end? That’s a good question. That’s something I don’t know right now. What’s clear to me is that this is going to be an ongoing process of trying it out, experimenting, and iterating through revisions. I expect the participants, both our dinner guests and our actors will play a big hand in shaping this piece, so that’s what I’ll plan for next, an actual tryout of this loose script. My hope is that my fourth post will include video footage from that trial run as well as post performance discussion. Til next time! Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Don Nguyen was born in Saigon, Vietnam, grew up in Nebraska, and now currently resides in New York City. As a playwright, Don has written several full-length plays including: SOUND, a sign language play which was a finalist for the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference and was previously developed at The Playwrights Realm. Don’s first full-length play RED FLAMBOYANT was developed at the Ojai Playwrights Conference and was both a finalist for the Bay Area Playwrights Festival as well as the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference. THE MAN FROM SAIGON has been developed at Naked Angels and was a NYSAF Founders Award recipient. THE COMMENCEMENT OF WILLIAM TAN was developed at New York Stage and Film and was a finalist for the Bay Area Playwrights Festival. Don was also recently one of 48 playwrights commissioned for The Flea Theater’s 5 1/2 hour epic production of The Mysteries, directed by Ed Iskander, which was a stage adaptation of the Bible. Don is a proud member of the Ma-Yi Writers Lab, a member of the inaugural Emerging Writers Group at the Public Theater in New York and served five years as artistic director for The Shelterbelt Theatre. Don is also a frequent volunteer for the 52nd Street Project. Website: thenuge.com Website Don Nguyen About the Artist Artist in Residence 2015: Don Nguyen Part 1 Artist in Residence 2015: Don Nguyen Part 2 Artist in Residence 2015: Don Nguyen My Million Spectacular Moments Don Nguyen Other Works By To follow the developmental process of Don's play read his first , second and final posts as a 2015 Artist in Residence. Related Information View More Art Make More Art ​ View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . ​ Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . This audio play, written by Joe Hoover, and performed by Joe Hoover and Devon Caraway explores senseless loss and was created in response to Micah 2:1-2, 8-9. Micah 2:1-2 Micah 2:8-9 Fury By Joe Hoover This play contains strong language and may not be suitable for all audiences. Credits: Written by Joseph Hoover Performed by DEV - Joseph Hoover, JUNE - Devon Caraway Curated by: Michael Markham 2017 ​ ​ ​ Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ Occasionally I have wondered if the prophets still matter. Did the coming of Christ supercede the prophets, make them irrelevant? Are they too harsh, too simplistic in their demonizing of the wealthy and powerful? Has the time for their anger and judgment passed, given Christ's message of love and mercy? I have also had for years a nagging desire to make sense of the housing crash of 2008, something which the prophets may have naturally taken an interest in. This project allowed me to take the prophet Micah and the subprime lending crisis and see if they might be relevant one to the other. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Joe Hoover is an actor and playwright. Acting credits include Malvolio in “Twelfth Night,” Peter Quince in “Midsummer,” and ensemble in “King Lear” in the Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park. Playwriting credits include “Jay and Ruby Get Religion,” at the Davenport Theatre, “The Ditch” at the John Houseman Studio Too and “The Good Life” at the Midtown International Theatre Festival. He is a Jesuit brother. (xaviertheatre.org) Devon Caraway is an actor and director based in NYC. Recent projects include: Steel Magnolias (Annelle, Cleveland Play House), Our Town (Emily, NewStage Theatre), Pericles (Bawd, Brown/Trinity Rep), Lungs (Woman, Brown/Trinity Rep), (Rosalind, NYU GRAD Summer Fest). She holds an MFA from the Brown University/Trinity Repertory Program for Acting and Directing. She is currently a member of the SDCF Directing Observership Class. Website Joe Hoover About the Artist Joe Hoover Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art ​ View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . ​ Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Canadian poet Hannah Main–van der Kamp created "Strange and Stranger Within the Gate" in response to Ruth 2:6-8 and the theme of “strangers.” Ruth 2:6-8 Strange and Stranger Within the Gate By Hannah Main-van der Kamp ​ Credits: Theme: Strangers Location: British Columbia, Canada Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts 2014 ​ ​ Poetry Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ Ostensibly, this prose poem is a monologue by the Biblical Ruth. A number of different verses could be used as markers e.g Ruth 1: 19, 2:10, 4:13. As I worked on it I was struck by the way in which Ephesians 3:6 (I was preparing a homily for Epiphany) resonates with Ruth's story. I also refer to Exodus 20:8 for the generosity of the Sabbath day command. In addition I hope to evoke the Magnificat Luke 1:46. Ruth's final words refer, unknowingly, to John 3:15. A stranger and taking on new customs and beliefs, Ruth cannot know anything about the sacrifice of the Prince of heaven. The irony is both bitter and sweet. Ruth thus restates the un-readiness of God's people at the time of the Judges to relinquish the notion of sacrifice though they used animals for the rituals. Yet, she is ready to give her heart and in so doing prefigures the Gospel on two counts: the self-giving of Jesus and the self-giving that is required of all of us. I also hope that at the very opening of this poem the plight of refugees everywhere will instantly spring to readers' minds. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Poet, editor, homilist and reviewer, Hannah Main – van der Kamp teaches reading and writing as spiritual practice. Her published work has appeared since the late sixties in a variety of places including religious, literary and environmental publications. She wrote the poetry reviews for BCBOOKWORLD for eight years. Her latest titles include ACCORDING TO LOON BAY, SLOW SUNDAY ON THE MALASPINA STRAIT and BRIGHT AT BLACK POINT. Her work was included in FORCE FIELD, a recent anthology of BC writers. She contributes to on-line publication including artwayeu. Hannah’s interests include permaculture, meditation, birds, contemporary art and poetry. She is active in the Anglican parish of St David and St Paul in Powell River, B.C., Canada. Website Hannah Main–van der Kamp About the Artist Hannah Main–van der Kamp Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art The ease it was to pass through that gate in spite of my heavy accent and our ragged clothes! We carried no belongings. View Full Written Work Strange and Stranger within the Gate by Hannah Main–van der Kamp Ruth 2:6-8 The ease it was to pass through that gate in spite of my heavy accent and our ragged clothes! We carried no belongings. The villagers tried not to stare. They whispered about us but they knew who we were. Barley harvest was just coming in. There was a good boss man. I got part-time work. The other workers shared their food. It opened my drought-worn heart, the kindness of these people. It was as if I had come from a dung heap but they looked on my lowliness and filled me with good things. What made them so I wondered as I watched carefully; the Israelites have strange customs, all that washing, all those foods they may not eat! We thought we would have to start from scratch but our kinfolk came through for us. Then I met B. The way he said, “Moabitess and “damsel” helped put my grief behind me. If you’ve been to Sunday School, you know the rest of the story. Their God took some getting used to though. When I went out to work as per usual on a Sabbath day, the Bethlehemites stopped me. No they said, no one has to work on the seventh day, not even servants and foreigners, a God-given rule. A day off! But here’s what really convinced me to cleave unto this God. He does not demand the sacrifice of children. I shiver to recall those smoky hill shrines of Moab, the wailing mothers in front of the Baal altars. But here? None of that. When B. and I are blessed with a son, we will not fear the demands of priests and their wrathful god. I am blessed and the generations will call me blessed. May all my children and children’s children receive this mystery of grace, may they show it to heirs and to strangers. They will not die but live, our first-born and his son after him and so on for generations. Heavens! There will be no sacrifice, not even of an only begotten, not even if he were a prince. I ponder on this mercy, my soul magnifies this God! Close Loading Video . . . The ease it was to pass through that gate in spite of my heavy accent and our ragged clothes! We carried no belongings. Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Poet Chauncey Beaty explores the complexity of the Apostle Peter in this beautiful poem responding to 2 Peter 1:3-10. You can also listen to Chauncey read "The Recipe (or Peter's Pantoum)" as spoken word. 2 Peter 1:3-10 The Recipe (or Peter's Pantoum) By Chauncey Beaty ​ Credits: ​ Curated by: Marlanda Dekine 2018 ​ ​ Poetry + Spoken Word Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ In preparation for this poem I read a great majority of the New Testament, listened to sermons on the scripture, and dug into the life of Peter. I resonate deeply with Peter. I can only imagine what it was like for him to experience first-hand the depth of Christ's love, mercy, trust, and hope despite the flaws, failures, and shortcomings of his humanity. What kept coming up for me as I was writing is: What would I do if God gave me the keys to heaven, trusted me with the honor of sharing His coming with the world, asked me to be the caretaker of His children, and also told me that I would soon be persecuted and killed? This is what Peter offered to us under those circumstances — a way to never be outside of the presence of God. Similar to the Lord's Prayer, where we are given the instructions "This, then, is how you should pray," 2 Peter 1:3-10 is an instruction that should be committed to memory. Peter is the man Jesus allowed to walk on water with Him. Peter is also the man who legs sink down into the ocean due to fear and doubt. I would argue that more than any other human on Earth, Peter understands what it takes for a human to "stay above water" in a state of confidence in God no matter the circumstance. A pantoum offers me as the writer an opportunity to continuously repeat Peter's instructions and the space for me to explain the gravity of Peter getting this message to us 2000 years later. I wanted to write a poem that would add to the legacy of Peter's efforts. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Chauncey Beaty : THE HEART WORKER™ Chauncey Beaty is an award-winning poet, TEDx speaker, certified life coach, and master facilitator. She is most known for her ability to do transformational “heart work,” — creating safe space, training, and speaking on topics that are generally difficult to discuss (such as HIV/AIDS, dating violence, mental health and wellness, healing, and difference and diversity). As a speaker and facilitator, she is captivating and easily connects with her audience by using a winning blend of humor, keen insight, and her unbeatable personality. Chauncey is a two-time international poetry slam finalist, ranking the 3rd best female slam poet in the world in 2010 by Poetry Slam, Inc. She is a proud ambassador for the Greater Than AIDS (GTA) campaign, a movement sponsored by the Kaiser Foundation aimed to elevate the public’s knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS. She has been featured in GTA commercials on NBC, CBS, Fox, Google TV, and its affiliate broadcast stations. As a GTA Ambassador, Chauncey has been a keynote speaker and performer at colleges around the country in partnership with the Black AIDS Institute's HIV testing initiatives. Chauncey’s image is used in print-ads and on billboards across the country with the slogans “My life is worth protecting” and “Speak up for yourself.” Chauncey was the first poet invited as a guest teacher to R&B singer Usher Raymond’s Camp New Look. She was one of three teaching artist invited to China to teach poetry in the Summer of 2011. Chauncey was a guest on the Michael Eric Dyson Show, interviewed by actress Mo'Nique on Clear Channel Communications, and featured as the centerfold ad in Heart and Soul Magazine for February 2011 edition and in Essence Magazine’s July 2012 edition with Barak Obama on the cover. Also, she was one of the featured artists on season one of the TV One’s hit show, Verses and Flow. Host Hill Harper compared her to poet, scholar, and activist, Nikki Giovanni. She is the founder and facilitator of the annual READY WOMAN RETREAT. Chauncey earned a Bachelor of Arts from Winthrop University in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Humanities (African American and African Studies) from The Ohio State University. The Life Purpose Institute, in San Diego, California, certified her as a Life, Life Purpose, and Career Coach. She is a TEDx speaker and a graduate of numerous leadership, organizational development, and diversity training programs. Chauncey is member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and a native of Greenville, South Carolina. Links: TEDx TALK, “Daughtering” • Greater Than AIDS • Verses & Flow Website Chauncey Beaty About the Artist Chauncey Beaty Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art You would know why a dying man’s last words are a recipe for walking if you have ever tasted the sour of a fall View Full Written Work The Recipe (or Peter’s Pantoum) By Chauncey Beaty You would know why a dying man’s last words are a recipe for walking if you have ever tasted the sour of a fall It is a divine invitation to partake in the nature of God A dying man’s last words are a recipe for walking Here is the recipe: It is a divine invitation to partake in the nature of God This is how you will never stumble Here is the recipe: To faith add goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love This is how you will never stumble God is merciful To faith add goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love If you have ever tasted the sour of a fall God is merciful You would know why Close Loading Video . . . You would know why a dying man’s last words are a recipe for walking if you have ever tasted the sour of a fall Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Singer-songwriter Anthony LaMarca worked with his brother to bring us a beautifully thoughtful song in response to suffering and Revelation 21:5. Revelation 21:5 All Things New By Anthony LaMarca ​ Credits: Written by Anthony & Angelo LaMarca. 2016 Performed, and recorded by Anthony LaMarca at home Curated by: Sarah Gregory 2016 ​ ​ ​ Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ This song is based on Revelation 21:5. This past August I found out I had multiple myeloma. It was a big shock and ultimately resulted in my having to have a bone marrow transplant in January. Before I went into the hospital my sister-in-law and her kids made me this painting that had that verse written on it. For the two weeks I was in the hospital that painting was something I could return to and find peace and reassurance. I was scared and uncomfortable. I missed being home. I missed cooking. But I knew that that verse was true. My body was being renewed. Learning to trust and face fear head-on is not easy. It's hard to give up control, but it is also freeing to realize when you are in a situation that is out of your control. So, this song aims to illustrate a change from fear to reassurance and peace. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Anthony LaMarca is a musician from Youngstown, Ohio. He currently plays in The War On Drugs, sometimes with Dean & Britta, and previously with St. Vincent. He and his brother, Angelo, make records as The Building. He also has a wonderful German Shepherd named Petra. Website Anthony LaMarca About the Artist Anthony LaMarca Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art ​ View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . ​ Download Full Written Work

creation_redemption_carmichael-braun.jpg Loading Video . . . New York artist Charis J. Carmichael Braun juxtaposes biblical concepts of Creation and Redemption in her vivid illumination. Isaiah 44:24 Deuteronomy 4:32 Isaiah 43:1 Creation/Redemption By Charis Carmichael Braun ​ Credits: Artist Location: New York City Curated by: Jonathon Roberts 2010 ​ ​ ​ Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ This work is a conceptual color study for a series of larger works visualizing Christian doctrines. The series seeks to juxtapose concepts that, from a quasi-Lutheran point of view, encourage the combination of ideas that seem or can be construed to be antithetical, such as “life” and “death.” Based on the concepts of Creation and Redemption , this image is the first in the series. This work was created for and shown in the Solus Christus Juried Art Exhibition (April 2010) at the dedication of the Chapel of the Christ at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. Other images developed in this context may include: Decay/Resurrection Judgment/Eternal Life Passion/Ascension Incarnation/Paradise Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Charis J. Carmichael Braun grew up in New Ulm, MN . After a year as an exchange student in Switzerland (Gruezi, mittenand!) , she earned her BA from Bethany Lutheran College and her MFA from the New York Academy of Art. She received a Juror's Award for her work in Representational Art in the 21st Century , University of Hawaii at Hilo, HI in 2015 and was chosen as a Sing For Hope Piano Artist in 2016. She has been published in PoetsArtists, The Huffington Post , and LINEA: The Artist's Voice . As an arts administrator , she has focused on communications and publicity, having worked for the Edward Hopper House in Nyack, NY; The League Residency at Vyt (Art Students League of New York), and the New York Academy of Art. She has managed two galleries in New York City, and has served on the boards of two greater New York City not-for-profits: as a founding member of Spark and Echo Arts , and as President of the Alumni Association of the New York Academy of Art. With her husband Andrew Braun, a woodworker, Charis lives and works in the Hudson Valley, New York. Website Charis Carmichael Braun About the Artist Charis Carmichael Braun Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art ​ View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . ​ Download Full Written Work

Nicora Gangi Kiss The Son Loading Video . . . Bringing a modern twist to the medieval depictions of The Last Judgment and religious triptychs, Nicora Gangi responds to Psalm 2:12 through collage. Psalms 2:12 Kiss the Son By Nicora Gangi ​ Credits: ​ Curated by: Jonathon Roberts 2017 21 x 33 inches ​ Collage Primary Scripture Give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him. Psalms 2:12 Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ Bringing a modern twist to the medieval depictions of The Last Judgment and religious triptychs, I have responded to Psalm 2:12 through collage. "Kiss the Son," as it is used in this section of Holy Script is a command. Elsewhere in Scripture , Christ is called "the Son;" a statement supported with a declaration made earlier in this Second Psalm : "You are my Son" (v 7). Christ is the Son of God by eternal generation . He is the Son of Man and our mediator, ( John 5:27 ). Our duty to Jesus is expressed figuratively: to "Kiss the Son" with a sincere affection and love. We are called to enter into a covenant of friendship with Christ. We are to let Him be dear and precious to us: to love Him above all, to love Him in sincerity, to love Him much . We are to be as the woman to whom much was forgiven and, in token of this, adorned His feet with kisses ( Luke 7:36-50 ). We are not to anoint Him with a betraying kiss, as Judas kissed him , as all hypocrites do. We are to kiss Him with a believing heart. "Kiss Him." This action is one of agreement and reconciliation. If we do this we understand that the quarrel between God and us has terminated -- the act of hostility ceased. In this paper collage triptych the concept of worship and man's rebellion against or obedience to God is illustrated three times. The left panel illustrates the worship of all other gods but the God of Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. The golden calf from Exodus 32 is archetype to all human-made idols. In my work, it is perched on top of the mountainous heap of humanity's various 'golden calves': technology, humans, animals, food, money, cities, power, land, etc. This panel is in contrast to the far right panel. In the far right panel, the pure white lamb and golden lion rest amongst the pinnacle of the swirling form of golden water. This water is the third Person in the Trinity: the Holy Spirit, the Water of Life. Pure, alive and active. The upper part of the central panel represents Heaven, featuring the powerful, brilliant light from the Trinity and a repartee on sun/son since the physical sun will no longer be needed in the New Jerusalem ( Rev 21:23-25 ). Included in this Trinitarian image is the firm statement that the Lord will rule the generations with power and authority ( Psalm 2:9 ). Below this brilliance is a display of Hell. The snake-like forms represent the Serpent of Old -- the one who deceived Adam and Eve whose resulting actions plummeted all of humanity into an alienation from God ( Genesis 3 ) that we see actualized in death and the decay of the body. At the very bottom of the center panel is the City of Destruction where those who give the Son the betrayer's kiss will dwell in perpetual fire and separation from God forever. Yet, for those who "Kiss the Son" with love, God is victorious over this inevitable and nightmarish end. So, let us be at peace with God in Christ who is our Peace. He is also our LORD and we are to worship Him ( Psalm 45:1 ). He is the Lamb, He sits on His throne, He Reigns forever ( Rev. 5:9-13, 19:6 ). Amen, amen, amen. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Nicora Gangi was educated at Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA (BFA 1974 and MFA 1976). She was a Professor of Art at Syracuse University for 29 years. Gangi has been awarded many Grand Prize and First Place awards and grants. She has been and continues to be published in numerous artist’s books on pastel paintings. She has lectured regionally and nationally as a visiting artist at universities and artist’s guilds. She is represented by: Edgewood Gallery (Syracuse, NY), and Gangi Studio (Winter Garden, FL ). Website Nicora Gangi About the Artist The Mountain of the House of The Lord I See Him but Not Now So Shall Your Descendants Be This One The Body without the Spirit | 1 The Body without the Spirit | 2 The Body without the Spirit | 3 The Sealed Ones Peace with God The Everlasting Protective Love of God Our Father When the Lord Gives Us The Land I See Him but Not Now The Mountain of the House of The Lord Paneled and Ruins Series The Harvest Spirit of God-The Spirit Hovering Memories Lies Fool Dance Your Truth from the Great Congregation Psalm 18 Sound of Their Wings Psalm 16 EAST, WEST, NORTH & SOUTH AT HIS TABLE Nicora Gangi Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art ​ View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . ​ Download Full Written Work

Christopher-Williams_Queen-of-SheebaQueen-Esther-resized.jpg Loading Video . . . Visual artist, Christopher Adam Williams (AKA "The Black DaVinci") celebrates the enduring beauty of women of character in this meditation on Proverbs 11:16. Proverbs 11:16 The Modern Day Queen of Sheba & Queen Esther By Christopher Williams ​ Credits: ​ Curated by: Rebecca Testrake 2020 84 x 49.5 inches Oil on canvas and copper leaf ​ Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ "The Modern Day Queen of Sheba & Queen Esther" seeks to contribute to my emergent dialogue and expression of black joy. This body of work is dedicated to the joyous, resilient black women in my life. The use of the color purple invites a conversation about the color of our skin. Often our skin is associated with oil, darkness or dinginess. Darker skin, throughout history, has been considered ugly. However, the choice of the color purple is rooted not only in its beauty and luster, but also its royal ancestry. Colonial kings and queens decreed only royalty and the sophisticated were allowed to wear purple. Purple dye was considered more valuable than gold. My work depicts that African Americans wear their royal ancestry on their skin everyday. I then look back to early modern art history from the Byzantine art period, the gold, copper and silver leaf used in the background highlights my subjects as being blessed by God or as an object of veneration. The relationship of purple and gold allows for each portrait to project a majestic, heavenly glow. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Christopher Williams’ art practice focuses on Black Joy — a spiritual feeling that has uplifted the African Diaspora through countless trials and tribulations in the quest for freedom and equality. It defies a simplistic explanation. He explains its experience: Black Joy is like a heartbeat. Never bitter, it is sweeter than the blackest of cherries or the richest of chocolates. It’s like a steady climb or an out-of-frame kiss. It is a moment that is magical and void of being Black, judged and discriminated against. My joy, my Black Joy may not be the same as the next. It is my vehicle for connection, educating others and sharing my experience as a Black man. What makes the journey of my work unique is my ability to develop authentic empathy for my subject matter. I have found this process is like walking to the edge of darkness and then summoning the courage to take one more step to understand what lies beyond our differences. These steps are necessary to overcome bigotry, hatred and indifference, to embrace the pursuit of joy. Website Christopher Williams About the Artist Honor Thy Father Christopher Williams Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art ​ View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . ​ Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Composer Doug Detrick explores the account of Jonah (from Jonah 1-2 ) as it relates to the great American novel, Moby Dick, with his captivating work for jazz ensemble and narrator. Jonah 1:1-2 Ishmael and the Whale By Douglas Detrick ​ Credits: Performers: Ren Jackson, Narrator; Anywhere Ensemble Venue: Neighborhood Church of Greenwich Village, NYC Artist Location: Portland, Oregon Curated by: Jonathon Roberts 2014 ​ ​ ​ Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ I was reading Moby Dick for the first time in 2013. As a joke, I started “live tweeting” my reading of the book, pretending as if it was one of the mass audience events that people usually treat in this way. My Moby Dick tweets started out snarky. “Ok, fine, I’ll call you Ishmael,” I said. But, as I got further into the book, and I started to realize that I was actually processing this book, understanding the details of the writing and getting to know the characters much better than I’m usually able to, especially for such a long work. In Chapter Nine, where Ishmael sits in a chapel on Nantucket and hears Melville’s retelling of the Jonah and the Whale story, I found the bringing together of these two stories really caused a profound collision of values. Jonah’s great humility makes Ahab’s hubris look all the more like naked aggression. Its an amazing foreshadowing of what’s to come in the novel. When I wrote my text, I wanted to bring out the background of both stories, and talk about why they seem to oppose each other so completely using a blend of journalistic techniques and theatrical character development. The narrator walks a fine line between commenting on the story as an investigator, and as a character from the story. The music works almost like another character, sometimes supporting the narrator, sometimes contradicting him, always amplifying the speaker’s wonder at the depth of intersecting meanings in this collision of stories. I want to offer sincere thanks to Spark and Echo for this opportunity, for their help in producing the premier performance, and for welcoming a non-Christian artist like me to participate in their project; to Ren Jackson for his great work with the text; to the musicians of AnyWhen Ensemble for their continued assistance in executing my diabolic plots; to Keith Biesack of ITGLOWSNYC for donating that amazing wine at the performance; and to Kirk Van der Swaagh of the Neighborhood Church of Greenwich Village for offering the use of their wonderful space in Greenwich Village. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Douglas Detrick is a Portland, Oregon-based composer, trumpet player, and arts consultant whose work in these diverse areas is distinguished by its quiet thoughtfulness and its embrace of good ideas from unconventional sources. He was awarded the 2011 Chamber Music America New Jazz Works and Presenting Jazz grants for his work with his chamber-jazz quintet Douglas Detrick’s AnyWhen Ensemble, and the commissioned work “The Bright and Rushing World” was premiered at New York’s Jazz Gallery in 2012 and performed throughout the United States. He is currently the Executive Director of the Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble, and performs in Oregon as well as touring nationally with AnyWhen Ensemble. As an arts consultant to individual artists and arts organizations, he helps to clarify goals and define strategies for achieving them through fundraising, program design, marketing, WordPress websites, and career coaching. douglasdetrick.com anywhenensemble.com Website Douglas Detrick About the Artist Douglas Detrick Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art ​ View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . ​ Download Full Written Work