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.
The Art Committee, comprised of church members, is an independent committee of the church and reports to the Executive Director of the Executive Team (ET).
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.
Reb Roberts & Carmella Loftis
Keeler Gallery Exhibit
March 7th - April 25th
Reb Roberts and Carmella Loftis are self-taught contemporary folk artists living and working in the Grand Rapids community. Their artworks are vibrant, intuitive depictions of animals, people, and nature constructed from recycled materials, including metal, wood, tar paper, and house paint. Together they have established their business roots for over 10 years at the Sanctuary Folk Art Gallery on S. Division Ave. Their gallery was the 1st business to help seed the growth of the burgeoning Avenue for the Arts. Carmella and Reb have been activists in the urban art movement that has included collaborative projects with the City of Grand Rapids, The Grand Rapids Childrens' Museum, The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, The Grand Rapids Art Museum, Forest Hills Art Center, and numerous organizations, churches and non-profit agencies. Their message has always been "Bring Art to the People".
Come See What's New 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.
Be sure to save the dates of May 2nd and 9th in the Chapel at 9:45 a.m. when Mic will give a presentation on his sculptures and how he came to be so inspired by this Saint of world peace and unconditional love for all creation. Mind you, he's not even Catholic.
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)"