benje_daneman_featured.jpg Loading Video . . . Benje Daneman here with my second update as a 2015 Resident Artist for Spark & Echo Arts… as I mentioned in my last update, my project this year is writing a full length jazz suite based around the concept of Light in scripture. This yearlong endeavor is extremely interesting as I’m able to see long term how the project is being formed and changing over time. Even after only five months it’s evolved and morphed from what I thought it’d be to something slightly different! Find the complete progression of the work linked below. John 3:19-21 John 1:1-5 John 1:14 John 12:34-36 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11 Artist in Residence 2015 | Benje Daneman 2 By Benje Daneman Credits: Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts 2015 Live Music, Jazz Suite Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link June 8, 2015 Benje Daneman here with my second update as a 2015 Resident Artist for Spark & Echo Arts… as I mentioned in my last update, my project this year is writing a full length jazz suite based around the concept of Light in scripture. This yearlong endeavor is extremely interesting as I’m able to see long term how the project is being formed and changing over time. Even after only five months it’s evolved and morphed from what I thought it’d be to something slightly different! A few updates… This is a great time for an update as one of my bands, SearchParty, met for the first to do an initial reading session of my music for this commission. I was able to bring four parts of the suite to the guys and they played them beautifully. Check out the video to hear the clips! I was hoping to stay only in the Book of John, but it seems as though as I’ve been finding my way out of that book and into the book of Thessalonians … and potentially one in Job still in the works. So far four songs have come to fruition… they are: “(Our Fear of) Exposure” – John 3:19-21 “Light in the Darkness” – John 1:1-5, 14 “Just a Little While Longer” – John 12:34-36 “Children of the Light” – 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11 My most recent band, SearchParty, is taking this music on and our debut performance in NYC will be at Saint Peter’s Church (619 Lexington Avenue (& 54th St.) at 5pm on August 9th at their Sunday Jazz Vespers series. We’d love to see you there as we’ll be unveiling pieces some of the suite for the first time to the public there. My hope is to debut the full suite in a live recording performance in early November here in New York City. I’m in the works of securing the venue and should know very soon. Please stay tuned and we’ll let you know more info as soon as we can! I envision this being a pretty special night and would truly love you being a part of it. It’s pretty exciting seeing how the scripture has been speaking to me as I’m composing over the past few months. I find it to be my meditation/prayer time where I can dig deep into the context of the text and see how it shines a light in my own life. I can’t wait to see where the next steps bring me and this composition! Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection About Benje Daneman A sought after musician for his personal approach, creative musicality and strong versatility, Daneman got his start professionally in 2007 on a national tour with with Doc Severinsen’s Big Band. Since then he has performed with the world renowned Jose Limon Dance Ensemble, recorded for the Grammy nominated album “Elevation” (HMI Big Band) and has appeared as both a leader and sideman at prestigious venues across the country including The Kennedy Center, Baryshnikov Arts Center, FONT (Festival of New Trumpet) Music Festival and The Iridium. As a composer/arranger, he has received commissions from the United States Air Force Band (in Europe), Dr. Steve Zegree, Spark and Echo Arts and Lutheran Music Missions. His 2015 Artist in Residence for Spark and Echo Arts, is the catalyst for one of his newest projects called Search Party which approaches faith topics through original music, with a band including some of the top musicians on the jazz scene today, including Ike Sturm, Jon Cowherd, Jaimeo Brown and Ashley Daneman. Another new project of Daneman’s, Life Stories, calls upon his deep interest and history in musical storytelling by musically creating a personal and unique experience for the audience by aurally recreating true stories of people places and events. Daneman’s 2013 EP release Estelle’s Farewell Gift features all original compositions featuring Jeremy Siskind, Ashley Daneman and Andrew Rathbun and has been described as “Simple songs that open doors to complex reactions” (David Sumner, Bird Is The Worm). A Teaching Artist for the New York Pops, Daneman is a passionate educator and has led clinics and workshops throughout the country at such institutions as McNally Smith College, Western Michigan University, Concordia University and for the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association. He is also the co-director of the Jazz & Creative Institute (http://www.jcinstitute.org), which has a mission to inspire artistic development and cultivate creative entrepreneurship for all levels of creative musicians. Benje has attended and holds degrees from Western Michigan University, The Henry Mancini Institute (Los Angeles, CA), and Manhattan School of Music (New York, NY). Benje lives in New York City with his wife, jazz singer-songwriter, Ashley Daneman and daughters, Rivi and Elise. Website Benje Daneman About the Artist Artist in Residence 2015 | Benje Daneman 1 Artist in Residence 2015 | Benje Daneman 3 To Lay Down One's Life Artist in Residence 2015: Benje Daneman Benje Daneman Other Works By Follow the development of Benje's project by reading this in addition to his first , third 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 beautiful work was created by dancer Christine Suarez in collaboration with Gillian McGinty in response to Lamentations 5:15 and the theme of "Dancing." Lamentations 5:15 The joy of our heart has ceased; Our dance has turned into mourning. By Christine Suarez Credits: Collaborator: Gillian McGinty Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem – Academy and Chorus of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner Curated by: Elizabeth Dishman 2013 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link This work is linked to Christine's explorations in her last project MOTHER. MOTHER. was inspired by the birth of her son and death of her nephew. In it, she dug into joy and grief. She found through this process, a deep sense of loss - a loss of a part of herself, her identity. A truly bittersweet experience. Christine and Gillian began working together with the intention to share their body practice with one another. Sharing weekly space and time together dovetailed naturally into investigating mourning. We began by experimenting how mourning looks/manifests/feels in different body parts. Ultimately we chose the hands. Our hands can reach out and pull away. They can comfort and connect us with one another while also push away and scold. We moved, reflected and lamented on the joy in our hearts ceasing with the intention to be open to the point where mourning can become potentially ecstatic. We wondered how can a dance of mourning become transcendent. How do we let go? Each new project evidences Christine's faith in the collaborative process and her belief that its generosity creates an intimate, shared space with the viewer. She has come to believe that the creative process is transformative experience - creating a community that did not exist before. She enters the process with curiosity and rigor. Her goal is to merge innovative movement, honest storytelling, academic scholarship and community activism. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Christine Suarez is a Los Angeles-based choreographer, performer and educator. Born in Caracas, Venezuela and raised in Baton Rouge Louisiana, Christine made her first works of choreography to the Grease soundtrack. Since then she has created eleven evening-length dance-theater works, numerous site-specific and community events and close to a dozen dances for the theater and film, along with teaching, creating and performing at school sites all over the U.S. While living in New York City from 1994-2006, her work was presented at various venues including Danspace Project, P.S. 122, HERE, Joyce SoHo and Dixon Place. In 1998 she founded SuarezDanceTheater, a not-for-profit, ensemble of dancers, actors and musicians. SuarezDanceTheater examines the unexpected – creating dance-theater in unexpected places with unexpected people about unexpected subjects. Christine and company were Artists in Residence at Tribeca Performing Arts Center from 2003-2006. Her work has toured nationally and internationally to over 20 cities. Her work happens in theaters, houses, parks, Churches, galleries, sidewalks and beaches. She collaborates with multi-generational performers along with parents, children, veterans, high school students and teen mothers. Since relocating to Los Angeles, she has been invigorated by making dances in unexpected places. Wet Spots (2008) was a site-specific performance about female orgasm that she created in collaboration with a multi-generational cast of women. The Los Angeles Times called it “ingeniously crafted…poignant…hilarious.” She has organized community dance participatory performances in parks, beaches and classrooms in partnership with city governments, community based organizations and schools. She has also been touring Wet Spots: Solo to Tallinn, Estonia, Movement Research at Judson Church (New York City), The Garage (San Francisco), Emory University (Atlanta, GA), The A.W.A.R.D. Show! (REDCAT). Most recently she premiered her new evening length work MOTHER . at the Motion Pacific at the Santa Cruz Fringe Festival and Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica, CA. As an educator, Christine has worked at public schools all over the New York City and Los Angeles area. She has been a guest teacher/choreographer at California State University San Marcos, California State University Los Angeles, Emory University, Indiana University, Southeastern University of Louisiana and Louisiana State University. She holds an MFA in choreography from UCLA’s World Arts and Cultures Department and a BA in Theater and English Literature from Emory University. She is a government contractor co-creating a dance program for Veterans at The School for Better Living, a psycho-social research initiative a the West Los Angeles VA Hospital. She also works as a teaching artist with the HeArt Project. She has been awarded grants from the Center for Cultural Innovation, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Puffin Foundation, Meet the Composer, the Association for Hispanic Arts, JP Morgan Chase Regrant, the Field and the 92nd Street Y Harkness Dance Center. She is honored to be a Hispanic Scholarship Fund/Cheech Marin Endowed Scholarship Scholar and recipient of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund McNamara Family Creative Arts Projects Grant. (Photo by CedarBough Saeji) www.suarezdance.org Website Christine Suarez About the Artist Artist in Residence 2015: Christine Suarez Part 2 Artist in Residence 2015: Christine Suarez Part 3 Artist in Residence 2015: Christine Suarez Part 1 Artist in Residence 2015: Christine Suarez Christine Suarez Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Dave Czupryna Usheringinofthewheel Web Loading Video . . . New York artist David Czupryna interprets the vivid account of the prophet Ezekiel's vision in Ezekiel 1 with "The Ushering in of the Wheel." Ezekiel 1:1-28 The Ushering in of the Wheel By David Czupryna Credits: Artist Location: New York City Curated by: Charis Carmichael Braun 2011 29 x 12 inches Water soluble colored pencil heightened with white pastel on wood Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link This is a reinterpreted version of Ezekiel's Wheel that I had been toying with. I liked the idea of the wheel within a wheel design, but instead of having the literal visual interpretation of the passage, I decided to go in a different direction and combined the wheels into one object. The passage calls for the rims of the "wheel within a wheel's" to be studded with eyes; instead, I added screaming cherub faces without pupils. I imagine the sight of such an object to be rather disturbing and unnerving as well as awe inspiring (besides, "disturbing" is what I do best). The putti surrounding the wheel are a procession of heavenly beings heralding its arrival. Some are wearing smiling skull masks (death), while others are without (life). This further adds to the idea of benevolence or malice being left to interpretation or even speculation. I like the idea of there being no absolutes, the idea of everything having aspects of both "good" and "evil" of benevolence and malevolence; it all depends on how one looks at it which makes it so. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection David Czupryna is a New York City-based artist and graduate of the New York Academy of Art. Website David Czupryna About the Artist David Czupryna Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . The band Lowland Hum created The Father for Spark and Echo Arts in response to the theme of "poverty" and 1 John 1:5, 2:4-11. 1 John 1:5 1 John 2:4-11 The Father By Lowland Hum Credits: Written and recorded by Lowland Hum Artist Location: Charlottesville, Virginia Curated by: Jonathon Roberts 2014 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link "The Father" was written on a day off during our first cross country tour. As we read through the scripture in 1 John, a few ideas struck and inspired us. The passage dramatically draws attention to the disparity between our identity as children of God and the way we treat one another. The subject that we were assigned by Spark and Echo was "poverty" and as we read the scripture we recognized our own poverty in a profound way. How can you say you love the father if you hate your brother who is made in His image? It is so easy for us to take a self-protective stance, putting others down, even if its just in our minds, to escape our own darkness and inadequacy. The story of this song is written in hopes of drawing attention to the lack inherent in our love for one another, especially in our families. At the end of the song, we hope to refocus on the freeing and glorious character of God, our only way toward wholeness. In the contrary way of Jesus, we aim to tear our eyes from our inadequacy and to dwell on His goodness and overabundance. In this act we are on the path toward healing, change and we are given the strength to love. In our poverty, He is rich. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Lowland Hum is wife and husband team Lauren and Daniel Goans. Together they invite their listeners to share in the space of vulnerable intimacy they have formed over years of steady collaboration. In the live setting, the duo offers an immersive experience of thoughtful songcraft interspersed with audience interaction and extemporaneous songs about the day's happenings. Their recordings take listeners on a journey through relatable, imagistic poetry exploring themes of memory, longing, confession and identity, and drawing attention to often unnoticed resonances of the everyday. Daniel and Lauren are a prolific, two-person creative factory basing their operation in Charlottesville, Virginia. They write, arrange and produce all of their own music, and have honed a cohesive design aesthetic to match the hushed simplicity of their sound. The duo's beginning starts with Daniel, a songwriter, performer and producer from North Carolina. Daniel and Lauren’s creative worlds first collided one hot, Greensboro summer in 2010 when Daniel asked Lauren to design the album art for a solo record he was working on. Having once heard Lauren singing to herself at a party, he eventually coaxed her into singing some harmonies on that same album. This was Lauren's first experience with recording. Previously, her performance experience consisted of her middle and high school chorus classes, which, in her own words, provided her with a strong connection to melody and harmony in a context that was well-suited to her shy disposition. Initially, Lauren performed with Daniel, singing harmonies on songs he had written, but within a year or so, the two began cowriting and arranging virtually all of the material together. Lowland Hum formed officially in 2012, a few months after the two were married and their collaboration deepened. In the years following the release of their critically acclaimed debut Native Air (2013), the duo has tirelessly toured the country, spending more time on the road than at home. In 2014 they followed up their debut with Four Sisters , a conceptual EP and video series, and then, in 2015, they released their eponymous sophomore full-length album, garnering a slew of praise, including an NPR First Listen. Lowland Hum has performed in diverse settings all over the country ranging from folk festivals, art museums and theaters to living rooms and gardens. During their time off the road, Daniel produces albums for other bands. Lauren's background in visual art asserts itself in the duo's collaboration significantly. She has created all of the band's artwork and design as well as several transportable installation pieces that served as additions to the band’s live performances. She is also responsible for an impressive collection of music videos often using found footage from public domain archives. Over the years, Lauren has designed five editions of handmade lyric books that the duo passes out to audiences so they can read along and interact more deeply with the lyrical content of their songs if they so choose. Lowland Hum's songs have been described as poetic and evocative, and their arrangements minimal, hushed and dynamic. They continue to attract a growing body of listeners around the world. Daniel and Lauren spent the summer of 2016 creating their third full-length album in a friend's attic. The album, Thin , came out on February 10, 2017, and is their "deepest collaboration to date" according to the band. They completed a nationwide headline tour, sharing the stage with the likes of Josh Ritter, Jesca Hoop and Penny and Sparrow along the way. After playing a handful of festivals this summer, the band will embark on a nationwide tour supporting Penny and Sparrow in the fall followed directly by a five week European tour. www.lowlandhum.com Website Lowland Hum About the Artist Lowland Hum Other Works By The Father by Lowland Hum 1 John 1:5, 2:4, 2:9-11 Jackie came home He doesn’t look us in the eyes He said he needs a pillow, and only for a while. Says luck is hard to find these days Especially when you got a bad name He’s covering his face And hiding his darkness in the barn. How can I say That I know the Father When I hate my brother For things he doesn’t do Gloria counting down the years The world has gone and left her While she’s cleaning up the dinner Wonders what her life could be Inherited the homestead She hates it but she won’t change a thing so there’re smiles on the faces of all of her siblings and her nieces and nephews will run where she ran They’ll all blow in like Christmas and then leave the house empty Again How can I say That I know the Father When I hate my sister For what she doesn’t have Our Father is light No shadows at all Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

! Loading Video . . . Responding to the theme of "Harvest" from Ezekiel 47:12 and Matthew 13:23, Sammy Levine's beautiful film explores a tea company and considers the benefits of tea and the community it builds. Ezekiel 47:12 Matthew 13:23 Leaves By Sammy Levine Credits: Video and Editing by Sammy Levine Music by Jeffrey Leiser Curated by: Jeffrey Leiser 2013 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ! Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ! Website Sammy Levine About the Artist Sammy Levine Other Works By ! Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work ! Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Fertile Field Ashley Daneman Loading Video . . . Acclaimed jazz vocalist Ashley Daneman's "and the fertile field..." is a personal and poignant response to Isaiah 32:15. Isaiah 32:15 and the fertile field… By Ashley Daneman Credits: Artist Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Curated by: Janna Dyk 2011 4 x 4 feet Acrylic and vinyl Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link till the Spirit is poured on us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest. -Isaiah 32:15 Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection A late career start and plenty of interesting life turns have caused Daneman to go deep with her blend of jazz and modern folk debuting “a publicly intimate recording that is frank and unapologetic. Beauty Indestructible is a collection of nine original "spirit poems" scored and written by Daneman, existing as an intensely personal song cycle. Daneman addresses the fundamental healing power of love” (C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz). Drawing comparisons to Becca Stevens, Laura Nyro, and even Stephen Sondheim, Beauty Indestructible is summed up as “beautiful jazz art music from a gorgeous voice with superb accompaniment” (Mark S. Tucker, Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange) and as “a profound work of art that is so alive, so positive, and so blessedly musical” (Richard Kamins, Step Tempest). “Charming and enchanting with its offbeat/outside the lines sensibilities, [Beauty Indestructible] is killer stuff that’s sure to resonate with the gypsy in your soul” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record). Website Ashley Daneman About the Artist I’ve Got All the Light I Need Ashley Daneman Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Reminiscent of Ecclesiastes, this surreal play written by Laura Pittenger dabbles in the absurd as it spins a new parable in response to Micah 3:1-12. Micah 3:1-12 The Flesh From Their Bones By Laura Pittenger Note: This play contains some descriptions of violence and may not be suitable for all audiences. Discretion is advised. Credits: The Man, The Replacement by Stephen Lyons Michael by Ryan McCurdy Stage Directions by Laura Pittenger Audio Mixing by Stephen Lyons Artist Support by Cole Matson Dramaturgy, Moral Support by Meron Langsner, Claire Pittenger Artist Headshot by Erik Carter Photography Curated by: Michael Markham 2017 One-Act Play Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link When I read this passage from Micah, I am immediately struck by his frank condemnation of the actions of those in power. The writer speaks directly to the heads of Jacob, the princes of the house of Israel: “Is it not for you to know judgment?” – meaning, God will judge you, too, despite what you may believe. He goes on to add that the seers will be “ashamed,” the diviners “confounded,” and that the “sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them.” These are strong words, and leveled against the most powerful people in the country. It seems clear to me that Micah the prophet, in his warnings against the leaders of the people, could not have been a popular man. It’s uncomfortable to confront the times that we have failed to act with justice, especially towards those who are not as powerful or popular or even just as fortunate as we are. But Micah demands that we do it, not just for the sake of others, but for the sake of our own souls. He begs us to listen and understand his warnings. We live in a world where the powerful are not always just, and the righteous are not always powerful. The responsibility and hard work of fighting injustice frequently falls to the least among us, and to the oppressed themselves. Often, the battle is lost, but the fight continues by those willing to pick up the flag and keep going. But by what means? Activists have argued for years about the means used to protest injustice – is violence ever appropriate? What constitutes a peaceful protest? Can people judge people, or can God alone be the final judge? I sought to ask those questions (and hint at some answers) in a parable of a young man, Michael, who arrives at the offices of “The Man” (a mythical manifestation of power in pop culture) in order to kill him, thereby killing the seat and seed of all injustice in the world. But The Man is more than ready for him, willing to listen to Michael’s arguments but just as easily shooting them down. Michael is frustrated, but persists, eventually taking drastic action, which in the end, appears to all have been for naught. Through this work, I attempted to capture the spirit of this frustrated prophet, speaking truth to the hardened hearts of the leaders and high priests, trying desperately to help them see what they have done to their people and warning them of the final judgment of God. Although the fight against injustice is difficult and unceasing – as the Old Testament reminds us – ultimately, I believe that Hope exists and keeps us alive, even if that light seems dim and far away. We can look to God as both our protector and judge, knowing that in spite of all that plagues us on earth, we are all in His hands in the very end. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Laura Pittenger is a NYC-based playwright and director. Recent publications of her work include PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ABRIDGED (YouthPlays) and THE GOSPEL OF HUXLEY (Smith & Kraus, 5-Minute Play Anthology). Her plays have been produced at the internationally-acclaimed FringeNYC (The HVAC Plays); The Sheen Center Theater Festival (The Drill); The Gallery Players (Thou Shalt Not), GI60’s International One-Minute Theatre Festival, and Ball State University (Daughters of Trinity: Women of the Manhattan Project. Laura’s plays have received workshops with 3V Theater, One Bird Productions, Alaska’s Last Frontier Theatre Conference, KCACTF, and The Playwrights’ Center. Laura has directed through Athena Theater, Turn to Flesh Productions, The Tank (NYC premiere of Jason Hall’s thriller Third Floor) and Project Y (Parity Plays). Laura currently serves on the advisory board of Turn to Flesh Productions, after a three-year run as the company’s literary manager, selecting plays with “modern themes, classical styles.” Laura hails from Fort Wayne, Indiana and graduated from Ball State University with a B.A. in theatre production for directing, summa cum laude. Website Laura Pittenger About the Artist Laura Pittenger Other Works By Read: "The Flesh From Their Bones" Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

The Lawless Man The Ageless One Rglenn Thessalonians Final Small Loading Video . . . This digitally illustrated poster by artist Ryan Glenn weaves together a bundle of important details to portray the singular voice offered in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-10. 2 Thessalonians 2:6-10 The Lawless Man, the Ageless One By Ryan Glenn Credits: Curated by: Jonathon Roberts 2018 Digital Illustration Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link This passage of Scripture takes us to a dark day in human history, accompanied by the best news there is. Evil trembles within us all and roams the earth, too, with a fast-approaching deadline. The machinations of the darkness and his dominion are not only real but even now overtaking the kingdoms of earth. Yet, like the rock-hewn feet of Shelley's " Ozymandias " languishing in the desert of the past, so this real reign of evil, imagined here in stone edifice, shatters at the touch of the voice of the I AM. The steps of his altar are emblazoned with the eternal cry of the evil one, famously encapsulated by Anton Lavey , and his gesture a mockery of true peace. The moon sigil perches on his head like a crown of darkness, and his demeanor is political in affect, with all the trappings of human-made leadership. Above his head, though, the infernal number is overshadowed by the Christus Victor. We are reminded of the searing light of Truth, the glorious and terrifying hope in the One who spoke the heavens and who spoke peace to those far and near by His blood. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Ryan Glenn is a writer and artist living in Dallas, Texas. He enjoys digital illustration as a medium of choice for his personal work, and is always learning more about himself and the world in the process. He desires to follow and serve Christ with his talents. He resides in a 110-year-old house with his wife Jess and black lab Bruce. Barefootmonstur.com FerventStudio.com Website Ryan Glenn About the Artist Ryan Glenn Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Haggai 2 Loading Video . . . Visual artist John Bergmeier uses the physical layers in this mixed media art piece to explore the layers of history, personal connection, and exploration of his faith associated with Haggai 2. Haggai 2 Haggai 2 By John Bergmeier Credits: Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts 2018 15 x 24 x 2 inches Collaged Screen Prints, Linocut on Wood Veneer, Gold and Silver Vinyl Film, Appropriated Wood, Metal Pieces + Sinew Mixed Media Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link Intent upon connecting the visual arts to God's Word, I am inspired by various verses and Biblical stories. I think it's perfectly acceptable and God-pleasing to produce artwork that is simply inspired by faith: but also that to teach, preach and share the gospel is the highest good. My work typically includes imagery from nostalgic sources vindicating my personal memories and wistful emotions. Multi-layered, not only with antique line art and purposeful texts but also with the colors themselves. This type of layering and use of multiple images lends itself to the idea of a confusing and complicated life this side of eternity, but still looking forward to "feel the Son's embrace." I have a standard palette of colors that I rely on for most of my mixed media art pieces and prints. These also are intended to imply this vintage feel; as if the colors are pulled directly from my Aunt Erna's living room in Beatrice, Nebraska. A personal favorite is a red-brown that is a mix of the red of Harry Lottman's discarded Velvet tobacco can and the burgundy of the rusting farm implement behind his barn. Lastly, in addition to these solid colors, I frequently use metallic inks, especially gold, to imply a religious and heavenly connection to the overall narrative. This second book of Haggai (one of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament) contains 38 verses and was written around 520 BC. From the beginning of my work on this visual art piece I have tried to portray an "Old Testament" aesthetic and sensibility. The materials and imagery that I have selected are meant to represent the various verses that are key components to God's Word here written by Haggai. I struggle to understand how it must have been to be an Old Testament believer, still looking forward to the coming Savior as opposed to our lives now looking back at what has taken place with Christ's plan of salvation for us. In the second chapter of Haggai his prophecies include Christ as the descendant of Zerubbabel from the family of David: He shall soon come, "a comfort of all nations." This lineage is represented by the length of sinew that runs along the top of the piece. One can take these 3 essentials from Haggai 2: be strong, work diligently and do not fear. We are still encouraged to maintain a strength which is required to overcome life with a sinful flesh and a fear that can cripple and hamstring this effort without the power and courage from God. The "yawning" people of Israel at this time had become distracted and had lost focus on the continued rebuilding of the second new temple that God had commanded them to build. The musical notes and bright colors used here characterize this almost festive attitude which resulted in an unfinished temple. The people were also using their gold and silver for other purposes rather than for God's work. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection John Bergmeier is an American artist who received his BA in Studio Arts from Hastings College, Hastings, Nebraska and his MFA in Printmaking and Drawing from Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas. Bergmeier has been employed as a Commercial Designer and Design Manager in the decorative films industry since 1992, and has continued to create artwork throughout this time in his home studio. He has exhibited internationally and has also taught studio art and graphic design classes at various colleges. He is currently working on prints and mixed media pieces in the studio space shared with his wife Carla in Waxhaw, North Carolina. Website John Bergmeier About the Artist John Bergmeier Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Filmmaker Chris Knight created this fascinating film in response to the story of Achan and Joshua 7. Joshua 7 Carried from Jericho By Chris Knight Credits: Curated by: Michael Markham 2015 Short Film Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link The story of Achan is a story of guilt and failure. It’s not, however, the story of Achan. He’s a void at the center of the story of his own destruction. A problem for Joshua to overcome so the Israelites can continue conquering the promised land. Achan bears the guilt so Joshua and the nation of Israel suffer the failure. But Achan’s guilt, more than Joshua’s failure, has always been the more relatable of the two emotions. Failure visits us all; it nags and lingers and weighs us down; but it never crushes as abjectly as it does for Joshua, because we are never so certain as he is of his divinely ordained victory. Achan knows the leaders of Israel are searching for the devoted things. Joshua announces it publicly. He participates in the consecration. Still, he holds on to the proof of his crime. And he does nothing as they choose his tribe, his clan, his family. Guilt is universal. Nothing turns hearts to water like watching a lie unravel, seeing the things we hide rising into view, feeling the reckoning slowly arrive. Step by step, one revelation at a time, until we stand alone facing the thing we’ve done. In this film, I wanted to focus on Achan, the man forgotten in his own story, to feel the noose slowly tightening around his neck. And I wanted to remember that I am just like him, something forbidden hidden in my tent, hoping that somehow, some way, it will stay uncovered just one more day. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Chris Knight is a director and writer based in New York City. His short films and feature scripts have been selected for a variety of film festivals across the country. Website Chris Knight About the Artist Artist in Residence 2016: Chris Knight Part 1 Artist in Residence 2016: Chris Knight Part 2 Artist in Residence 2016: Chris Knight Part 3 Artist in Residence 2016: Chris Knight Chris Knight Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . This song by Spark & Echo band is in response to the theme of "Light and Darkness" from Psalm 139. The first version of this song attempted to include all the beautiful imagery from the psalm, but it didn't seem to work. After playing with the music, Jonathon and I settled into a feel that reflected the theme of "running from"‚Äìmusic that evoked a journey. Psalms 139 Where Can I Go? By The Spark & Echo Band Credits: Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts 2013 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link This is the first song Jonathon and I have written together by collaborating throughout the process–tossing music and lyrics back and forth from start to finish–so the song took many forms before it arrived at what you hear it today. I was drawn to this psalm because it dealt with images of darkness and light, and because it is the story of someone who is running from God. In the psalm the writer speaks of trying to hide in darkness, but that it is impossible because “even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” The first version of this song attempted to include all the beautiful imagery from the psalm, but it didn’t seem to work. After playing with the music, Jonathon and I settled into a feel that reflected the theme of “running from”–music that evoked a journey. From there I threw out most of the original lyric, and explored the themes from the feel of the music. Things began to fall into place. This psalm is not just about a journey away from, but also a journey to discover. In the end the psalmist wishes to be caught. -Emily Clare Zempel Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection The Spark & Echo Band is a family outfit of songwriting-storytellers led by husband and wife duo Jonathon Roberts and Emily Clare Zempel. Their music brings forgotten poetry and wild stories from the Bible to life: visions of sparkling wheels in the sky, hunger and thirst, and legends of love as strong as death weave with memorable melodies and captivating rhythms. Drawing from a classical background, influenced by the pianism of Rufus Wainwright and Ben Folds, and emulating Paul Simon’s narratival techniques, Spark & Echo sings epic tales of love and adventure. The duo has collaborated on three full lengths albums (Spark&Echo, Inheritance, Cities Project), one video album (In the Clocktower), in addition to many theatrical collaborations, this very nonprofit, and two children. They live in beautiful Beacon, New York, with all of the above. Website The Spark & Echo Band About the Artist White Robe What a Day Deep Calls to Deep Yo Sé Do You Love Me? How to Be Free Flesh Lifeblood Artist in Residence 2015: Spark & Echo Band Take to Heart The Wheels Frogs Ruined Inheritance The Spark & Echo Band Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . This rich song by Peter Mawanga draws jointly from the beautiful cultural heritage of Malawi and from Habakkuk 1:2-5. Habakkuk 1:2-5 NDAUPENYA By Peter Mawanga Credits: Written, Composed, Performed by Peter Mawanga Curated by: Jonathon Roberts 2018 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link The music is drawn from the Manganje beat which is commonly danced by the Lomwes from the Southern region of Malawi. The words in the song are drawn from Habakkuk 1:2-5. Habakkuk was complaining to God about the problems he was going through and the Lord answered him by promising Habakkuk that he was going to do something in his days‚ things that he would not believe. The title of this song, NDAUPENYA, meaning "I have seen your greatness," is inspired by Habakkuk 3:1-4. This is a prayer from Habakkuk the prophet in shigionoth . NDAUPENYA is a Chichewa word drawn from a verb PENYA which means "Look or Watch." Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Peter Mawanga has attracted worldwide acclaim with his music, the Nyanja vibes, performing on world stages in Africa, Europe and America. Not a stranger to the BBC and other media outlets, Mawanga has established himself as one of the living legends in Malawi and Africa. Blending traditional instruments as the Nyanja’s visekese, malimba , and kaligo , with contemporary instruments, he produces music that is fondly described by many as therapeutic, drawing from the Nyanja’s core values of peace and calm. The Nyanja are the most peaceful people in Africa and their country Malawi, which has never been at war, be it civil or otherwise, is known as the warm heart of Africa. Their instruments are deliberately designed to produce sounds that appeal to different feelings that aim at calming the nerves, celebrating life, pleading for peace and mostly merrymaking. It is from this source that Peter birthed the aMaravi movement and the celebrated Nyanja afro-vibes which mainly took off when he produced the now world renown album, Mawu A Malawi (The Voice of Malawi) , which featured stories of AIDS. For seven months Peter and colleagues had collected narratives from twenty-six of the most inspiring people they had ever met. They shared their loss, pain, joy, courage, and wisdom. The result of the project was Mawu a Malawi . The album was launched at the University of North Carolina and Department of State, making Peter Mawanga the first African musician to perform at the office of the Secretary of State. Since then, Peter’s performances have been holistic, characterized by song, film, dance, talks and sometimes dramatic monologues. His talks, among other things topics, are on: Malawian traditional sounds ; origins, use, relevance, relation to Africa and the world at large, the fusion with contemporary instruments, extinction, and preservation efforts. Music and dance in Malawi , the interplay of music in the social setup. Issues of identity, music as a people’s movement and a catalyst for life. Dance and tribal heritage. Talents of the Malawian Child Project Mawanga’s personal life (self-discovery) and involvement in projects for social change and economic empowerment. Peter, just like the Nyanjas of Malawi, believes that music goes beyond the ear, reaching out into the inner person to produce a healing power. It is one of the keys to a peaceful mind. Website Peter Mawanga About the Artist ULEMU Nambala Wani ASAMALA Peter Mawanga Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work