ECVA Newsletter


	The Art of Handmade When you think of art, what comes to mind – paintings or sculpture perhaps? What about stained-glass windows, a carved altar, hand-sewn banners, needlepoint kneelers, or a handcrafted chalice, can these items not be considered art also? art: The products of human creativity Regardless what a person may think about art, most people do enjoy that which is handmade. And if someone we know created the item, it will have special meaning. This can be true with a quilt sewn by your grandmother, a table crafted by your father, or needlepoint kneelers created by members of a parish. handmade: Made by hand or a hand process Many collectors of art and especially crafts, collect these works because they enjoy being surrounded by things that are not only beautiful, but have also been created by hand. Hand crafted items by people who care about the quality of what they make and who love creating it. artist: A person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination Whether a person creates objects for a living or just as a hobby, they do so because they love the process of creating, of making something by hand. This process of craftsmanship has been described by Nancy E. Green as “with an eye to both beauty and utility, not just art for art’s sake, but art for the soul’s sake.” So whether it is an altar painting or a handmade coffee mug, it is the fact that it was created with “heart and hand” that makes it special. love: Have a great affection or liking for When we surround ourselves with these handmade items, everyday tasks take on more meaning. As clay artist Dina Wilde‑Ramsing has said, “There is a very intimate relationship between the maker and user. God bless the people who appreciate that.” Dan Hardison Editor, The Episcopal Church and Visual Arts editor@ecva.org		Celtic Petal Cross By Kristin Anderson "... with hearts afire and hands at work making art that carries God who is love into visible form." — Mel Ahlborn


	Current Exhibition Inside-Outside: Work from ECVA Chapters An exhibition of art work from members of ECVA Chapters. Chapters are associations of visual artists within the ECVA community who meet in fellowship to discuss art in the Episcopal Church and in the world, and to share in their creative efforts. More . . .		Carmel Mission By Barbra Miller


	Featured Congregation Grace Episcopal Church Spring Hill, Tennessee In this small Tennessee town sits Grace Episcopal Church. Built in the Carpenter Gothic style, it has an altar rail carved with grapevines, leaves, and clusters of grapes. This small congregation is dedicated to preserving its fine features and its wonderful heritage. More . . .


	Visual Essay Magnificat By Caroline Brown Inspired by the Magnificat text and Easter lilies, Caroline Brown has begun a series of paintings using the form of the lily with the text of the canticle of the Virgin Mary. Here she explores the meaning of Easter and the triumph of "He is Risen". More . . .


	Community Arts Front Porch Ministry Trinity Cathedral Cleveland, Ohio At Trinity Cathedral, a program has been implemented to extend fellowship to those in need. Along with worship, there is a meal, the chance for companionship, and to create art. Under the guidance of artist Mary Ann Breisch, the concept for the Earth Flag was born – a chance for everyone to express his or her thoughts and hopes in a collaborated work of art. More . . .



	From the ECVA Registry: Risen from the Cross By Adrian Luxmoore

	About ECVA
	The Episcopal Church and Visual Arts strives to: Encourage visual artists in our church to use their creative gifts for the glory of God. Encourage individuals to explore the opportunities visual arts offer in their spiritual journeys. Encourage parishes and cathedrals to incorporate visual arts in their total programs. Encourage conversations and research in issues related to the visual arts, theology and culture.		If you know someone who might enjoy our newsletter, please forward this issue to them so they can learn what is happening at ECVA. To subscribe, visit www.ecva.org and enter your email address.