Fountain Street Church offers a rich art and architectural history to its congregation and the greater West Michigan community. The Art Committee (AC) is the conservator of this heritage. It builds on Fountain Street's tradition of nurture and appreciation for the artistic, cultural, and intellectual fruits of the human spirit in concert with the mission and vision of our church.
There are six major areas for which the Art Committee is reponsible:
1. The AC functions as a screening body for art purchases, acquisitions, and gifts to the church.
2. The AC maintains and keeps current an inventory of art throughout the church.
3. The AC is responsible for the placement, maintenance, and upkeep of the art in the church.
4. The AC designs and finances the holiday Order of Service covers.
5. The AC stages art exhibits in the Keeler Lounge/Gallery by artists in a variety of media. The objective is to enlighten the spirits of our diverse congregation and serve as an outreach to the greater West Michigan community.
6. Periodically, the AC takes part in, or sponsors, special projects which pertain to art and the aesthetics of the church.
Comprised of church members, the Art Committee is lead by the AC Chair and assisted by a Co-Chair. Additional officers include a Treasurer and an AC representative appointed to serve as a liaison to the Properties Committee. The AC is also comprised of several sub-committees necessary to expedite AC projects and assignments.
Art Committee members are solicited from the congregational membership and are approved by AC members.
Art Exhibit in the Keeler Gallery
January 8 - February 26, 2012
The Art Committee is pleased to host "Slavery's Chill", a compelling exhibit by gifted artist, Jon McDonald. "Slavery's Chill" is a display of 12 revealing 4'x6' paintings that document the history of slavery in America and slavery's impact on today's strained relationship between the African American and White races. "I feel the paintings can be used to understand who we, (African Americans), really are and will assist in the healing among races," said McDonald. During the course of the exhibit, the Art Committee has scheduled a series of lectures about slavery:
February 5 - Vita Tucker
February 12 - Walter Brame
All lectures will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel.
Jon McDonald is an Art Professor at Kendall College of Art & Design. He has taught courses in illustration, painting, and rendering for over 29 years. A nationally recognized artist, McDonald specializes in watercolors and oils. In addition to "Slavery's Chill", his work depicts such themes as the extinction of Native Americans, the Blues, and Jazz music.