In honor of Developmental Disability Awareness Month the artists of Element of Art were invited to show some of their artwork in an exhibition at Grace Episcopal Church on the corner of Third and Bowman Streets in Mansfield.
Reverend Joe Ashby invited the artists because for him art and faith are a natural fit. In fact this is the second time Element of Art has exhibited at the church.
“Art is inherently religious, it’s about exploring what it means to be human,” said Rev. Ashby. The church has now hosted several art exhibitions in their fellowship hall, with larger exhibitions spilling over into the narthex.
The mission at Grace Episcopal is simple, “To nurture our members and feed our neighbors.” For Rev. Ashby art is a natural extension of that mission and the artists at Element of Art were happy to share their work at the exhibition.
This show marks Diane Nichols third exhibition with Element of Art and she was proud to share her piece.
“I like to mix the different colors with it,” said Nichols. Her painting, a non-objective acrylic on canvas, does have vibrant color combinations and a rhythmic quality that is quite pleasing.
Kathy Goodwin, Art Coordinator at Element of Art, curated the show that includes photography, paintings, glass, and mixed media pieces. “The artists all have their own style. It’s so fun to see how their personality comes through in their work.”
One patron who attended the opening was happy to purchase a painting by Jessica Reinhart. The non-objective drip painting is a swirl of orange, yellow, and white juxtaposed against a lime green background.
“I just love it, it reminds me of my childhood. It just has a great deal of balance, there’s a rhythm there,” said Andi Shifley, who bought the painting.
Rev. Ashby has more exhibitions planned for the future. “We really believe we should capture that connection between art and faith,” said Ashby.
The exhibition will be on view at Grace Episcopal Church for a month, contact the church at 419-524-2661 for more information.
“Art is inherently religious, it’s about exploring what it means to be human,” said Rev. Ashby.
