Moving beyond the pure beauty of the Earth, ECVA artists were also encouraged to consider the effects of changing weather and climate not only on the planet, but on our sisters and brothers globally. Shin-hee Chin speaks to this in her quilt "Eyes Wide Open: Seeing Light in the Mundane." She uses women’s faces with eyes open "as symbols of hope for socio-economic progress of women through utilizing natural resources, securing steady energy sources, recycling, mutual assistance, and education." In viewing Chuck Kirchner's "Grandeur" I couldn’t help but see the solitary figure as so very small within nature – yet we know the destructive power humanity can wield at times. "Beehive" by Ann Cameron Cutri is just such an example, illustrating the decline bees have experienced due to man-made threats. In his "Walt Whitman and Nurse" etching, Jerry Di Falco quotes Whitman’s poem The Compost from Leaves of Grass: O how can the ground not sicken? Adapted from an 1890 photo, Di Falco remarks that the docks by the Delaware River were being spoiled over 100 years ago. Mary Jane Miller's "Journey to Know Where" reflects on finding her place in the world and knowing that how we live is reflected in our relationship to the earth. The image that signifies both a beginning or end to our part in taking care of all God has given us – this fragile earth our island home – is the photograph by Frank Logue. "Life Breaks Through" portrays hope. Nature will reclaim what it can long after we are gone, unless of course, the damage we do cannot be undone.

Dan Rather wrote, "We have seen the power of artists in the past to channel societal currents into meaningful statements and expressions - ones that change hearts, minds, and history." By imagination and inspiration through visual art, film or music we as artists can be truth-tellers. How do we as Christians discuss the impact of environmental issues -- on our natural surroundings and the rest of humanity as well -- with those both within and outside of the church? As artists, how do we participate in the conversation? What can we contribute to the narrative of healing and restoration?

-- Kathy Thaden, Curator

Bio: Kathy Thaden is a full-time mosaicist living in Colorado with her husband, an Episcopal priest. Before the transition to mosaic art 15 years ago, she was an Emmy-award-winning TV art director and graphic designer. Through mosaic she discovered a tactile creative outlet, and a new vocation.

“In our throwaway culture, I am often inspired to reinvent glass scraps or found objects into sacred art, finding beauty in what was once broken. It’s important to me that nothing be wasted.”

Kathy’s award-winning mosaics have been exhibited across North America. Inspired by the Rockies and desert Southwest, she links her art to her faith – with awe for Creation. Her mosaics range from abstracts to liturgical and commissioned works.

A professional member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists, Episcopal Church & Visual Arts, and founding member and Past-President of Colorado Mosaic Artists, Kathy teaches mosaic workshops and leads mosaic retreats across the Southwest.