PRIMETIME ART FEST:

Celebrating God’s Gifts

The hallway just outside of The Chapel resembled a colorful Parisian art vendors’ street one morning in October as brightly covered tables and easels were replete with beautiful pieces of arts and crafts. This first annual PrimeTime Art Fest was a showcase for Prestonwood members ages 55 and above who have passion for art.

The art fest was the idea of Associate Minister to Married Adult 3 Kelvin Foley, who led those attending in a message about the “Master Artist” just before the showing of the objets d’art.

Kelvin said that God the creator is a master artist, and we only have to look at earth’s natural beauty to see His work. Kelvin also told how art history—from the paintings of the old masters to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel—abounds with biblical themes and figures.

Himself an artist, Kelvin displayed beautiful sketches of his daughter as a little girl and of his mother.

Many art genres were represented, including oils, watercolors, models, tile painting, scherenschnitte (intricate paper cutting), quilting, stamp collecting, calligraphy, photography and jewelry making. Some birdhouses, handcrafted to resemble churches, made for wonderful conversational items.

Prestonwood member Paul Green, who taught art at all education levels for 27 years, said that he “wanted to bring something that would be a blessing to others and honor God.” One display of his scherenschnitte was richly detailed, depicting the Lord’s Supper with symbols of wheat and grapes fashioned into a cross shape, with a crown of thorns and a dove at the top. His wife, Linda, acknowledged that Paul loves to use his gift to honor God.

Another artist, Betty Howard, displayed a framed poem, beautifully handwritten in calligraphy and decorated with watercolors. “God gave me the poem,” she said. Betty also creates exquisite jewelry made with Swarovski crystals. And though she could likely sell her pieces she humbly submitted that “I just do it for a hobby, not for profit.”

Kelvin said that more than 30 people had brought their art and crafts for the show.

“We praise God for the opportunity to share our gifts with one another,” he said. “Some of the most beautiful things in the world come from people who use the gifts God has given them.”

Those participating were already looking ahead to 2010, planning for the next showcase.