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.
Giving Voice to Art: Ekphrastic Poetry Project
Keeler Gallery Exhibit
July 7th - September 7th, 2010
On exhibit is a collaboration of poetry and artwork. This unique exhibit draws its inspiration from pieces submitted by 11 artists, many of whom have previously shown their work at FSC. Inspired by the artwork, 17 poets wrote 38 poems over the course of 1-4 sessions led by Fountain Street member, Nessa McCasey, CPT. Nessa is a certified Poetry Therapist who provides writing facilitations as a positive experience for personal growth and healing.
As you look through the Gallery, see how your view of the artwork might be changed or deepened after you read the poems. This exhibit, known as an ekphrastic poetry project, is a spiritual expression of community-building - poets communicating to artists through their writing after the artists have communicated to them through their art. The exhibit is about poetry. It is about art. It is about community. It is about FSC.
Come See What's In The Tower Room!
Fountain Street Church is happy to give a temporary home to Mic Carlson's Top 25 ArtPrice piece: Francis of Assisi, "International Peace Statue". You can't miss him as he rises 12' high in the northwest corner of the room. He stands just to the left of the great double wooden doors where you'll coincidentally find him also carved in the upper side of the left door.
Artist statement: "I'm closest to God when I'm painting or sculpting. It's like praying without knowing it. The creating process is irreplaceable. It's like a divine drug that only comes from God. I believe the source of my love comes from my work like a smile that greets a stranger or a hug that is always welcome. Needing to express myself through my art is an energy I cannot be without. I will continue to share joy and optimism through my creative source. Faith in what we do is so needed in the sharing.
Pace e bene (Peace and Good)"