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“Compelling
stories, timeless poetry, music inspiring meditation or exultation,
dramatic movement, and colorful images – the arts are everywhere in
Episcopal worship and that is just the beginning.” Those were the
words used to describe the “Mystery, Muse and Ministry” conference
on Spirituality and the Arts held at Kanuga Conferences in
Hendersonville, North Carolina, June 19-24, 2005.
The conference was
meant to explore different ways of incorporating the arts into the
church and worship. Coordinated by Nell Gibson, the
conference included keynote speeches by theologian and writer The
Rev. Dr. John H. Westerhoff III; actor and narrator Jason
Robards III; and teacher/playwright Maggie Edson.
Workshops were offered by Native American composer/musician
Dennis Yerry, “How Native Americans Use Art to Explore
Spirituality”; singer/dancer/music director Jeannine Otis,
“Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord: The Prophets Rap”; keynoter
Jason Robards III, “Poetic Vocal Performance”; jazz
musician/vocalist Bobby Moody, “All That Jazz”; The Rev.
Jay Wegman, “The Sacramental Imagination”; The Rev. Canon Tom
Miller, “The Stand Up Story”; The Very Rev. Harry Pritchett,
Jr., "Picturing the Music"; and myself, artist/ECVA editor
Dan Hardison, “Visual Arts and Spirituality”.
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Performance
of The Prophet
(Photo by Nancy Carow) |
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But this was more
than just talk about the arts – it was a chance to experience the
arts as well. There was an exhibit of artwork that included work by
ECVA members. Workshop presenters along with conference participants
conducted noonday prayers using music, song, and poetry reading.
Monday night provided a reading from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
performed by Jason Robards and Jeannine Otis with Ron Clearfield on cello. The worship service on Tuesday night
incorporated the use of short videos and images of artwork by ECVA
artists. Wednesday night was a Jazz Mass with music provided by
Jeannine Otis and the St Ambrose Jazz Mass Quartet. And on Thursday
night, the service was a combined worship with the Christian
Formation Conference: The Family of God – Gathering Around the Table
that had the feel of an old-time revival meeting.
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Metal
sculpture of St. Francis
(Photo by Dan Hardison) |
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The setting at
Kanuga was ideal for a conference on spirituality and the arts.
Founded in 1928, Kanuga Conferences is situated on 1,400 acres in
the mountains of Western North Carolina with scenic Kanuga Lake at
its center. Kanuga offers a year-round conference center, youth
camps, an outdoor school, miles of walking trails, and an atmosphere
for relaxing, meditation, and renewal. The arts and crafts era
cottages and furnishings enhance the rustic charm of this mountain
venue. And throughout the site – from the rooms and hallways, to
outdoor areas – there is a wealth of art to behold.
The one complaint
(if it can be considered as such) was that there simply was not
enough time. By the end of the week, ideas were already being
formulated for the next spirituality and the arts conference. And
there was a quick discussion on the possibility of having an
artist/writer retreat in the future.
When Jason Robards
was asked if he would want to do the conference again, he responded
without hesitation "in a minute". That seemed to be the feeling of
everyone as the conference drew to a close. It was a time of
learning – from within the conference and within oneself. The
conference not only ended positive, but also left everyone with many
interesting ideas and possibilities for the future – just as a
conference should.
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Meal time
(Photo by Marion Nash) |
We were all brought
together for a reason whether or not we know exactly why. . . There
was an outpouring of love amongst a group of people from around the
country who had never known each other before. . . Hopefully we will
all continue to grow creatively and spiritually to further send the
message of true peace and love throughout the world.
—
Artist and conference participant
Marion Nash
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