Faith And Art Lenten Series 2021:

In Good Hands

Online Event

We are thrilled to invite you to Kirk in the Hills Faith and Art Lenten Series! This is going to be an event unlike any other, bringing us together through this new digital format. We put together something truly special and can’t wait to have you take part. 2020 was truly a challenging year for all of us. When the pandemic hit in the middle of our Lenten series, we thought it would be over in a couple months. But as we all know, it didn’t. Physical distancing went on and on for months on end. Social isolation and lack of physical touch left us vulnerable to experience depression and anxiety more than ever.

Our Lenten theme this year, “In Good Hands”, is all about trusting in the steadfast love of God in the midst of everything that seems to be affected by COVID in ways we could have never

imagined. When we feel like everything is changing and nothing can be trusted, when we feel lost as to where to turn for comfort and strength, we’re reminded of God’s sovereignty and

promise that God will never leave us or forsake us.

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Karen Benson

Artist: Karen Benson

Title: Healing Hands

Medium: Monotype/Collage

Dimensions: 24 x 30"

Artist Statement

In this past year, I have longed for healing. Healing of the sick, healing of the negativity, and healing for those who are in distress. I am especially drawn to this scripture passage as it emphasizes the importance of touch and the healing that Jesus delivered to the people. It gives me hope.

In my work, I have combined two monotypes that have been torn to represent how many of us have been torn from each other while the human silhouette reaches out for another to touch and be healed.

Scripture

And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed. (Matthew 14: 35-36)

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for giving me the hands to create my art and ability to express my thoughts. May we continue to reach out to you for comfort, healing and strength to overcome our fears during this tumultuous time. Amen.

Bio

Karen Benson is a member of the Kirk in the Hills. She has a degree in fine arts and art education, and she has shown her art locally and nationally. She recently retired from Cranbrook Brookside school after teaching art for 17 years. She now has more time to devote to making art and (hopefully) more traveling. She loves exploring other cultures and their art through traveling around the world.

Elizabeth Eriksen

Artist: Elizabeth Eriksen

Title: God’s Joys

Medium: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions:

Artist Statement

God loves his children, and we are called to love and respect Him.

Scripture

God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.” (Genesis 1:4)

Prayer

One of my favorite prayers was recited often by my Grandma Shaver, “Bless us O Lord and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Bio

Elizabeth Eriksen has four siblings and has been active at the Kirk since Sunday school as a toddler. She enjoys painting, volleyball, softball, snow skiing, the ocean, her friends, and making people laugh. Elizabeth is an 8th grader at Cranbrook Kingswood Middle School for Girls.

Todd Galloway

Artist: Todd Galloway

Title: Love Is in Our Hands

Medium: Collection of Photographs

Dimensions: 26” x 38”

Artist Statement

I wanted to make a piece of art to express my thanks for those who have helped us through the COVID pandemic – our beloved ministers of word, sacrament and music, and our loving family members. I hoped to show the ways in which their love has meant so much and has sustained us in such a trying time.

The five languages of love--spending quality time (the clock face), sharing physical touch (the holding of hands), speaking encouraging words (the bible and the pulpit), giving gifts (God’s gifts – the communion elements), and performing acts of service (using our talents to the benefit of others – the organ keyboard)--are represented in the work, both to express gratitude for the love we have so gratefully received and in recognition of the love we so desperately need to give.

The way we give love is “in our hands”, in our choices and in the desires of our hearts that are manifest in the world. The clock face is central to the cross as a challenge--our “cross to bear”--that we should give as much love as we can, as often as we can, while the hands of time are still moving in our lives. We don’t know the length of our days, but God’s commandment to love is sure. The holding hands are in the very center of the piece to show that we have choices to make, actions to take to make this love a reality.

Notes on the Creative Process

The piece was created in the shape of a cross as the ultimate reminder of Jesus Christ’s perfect love for us. The background cloth in red (the color of love) is subdued somewhat to allow the photographs to dominate; it also has a cross motif.

The photographs were taken with a very short focal length to allow them to become blurry and evoke memories or impressions instead of absolute, specific objects.

The color saturation level and composition of the pictures were mindfully tailored to accentuate the subjects while making them interesting to view and hopefully, ponder.

The angles of the photographs were chosen to guide the viewer’s eyes to the holding hands and the clock hands to reinforce the message of the piece as the images of both sets of hands are the only images taken straight on. The angle of the cross at the top of the piece was tilted up, so if the viewer looks at the hearts, their eyes will be drawn to the cross as a reminder of Jesus’ love for us.

The scripture verse was placed on roughly cut felt and paper and lettered casually to suggest the importance of the words and not their form.

Scripture

So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your beloved Son to bear His cross of love for the sake of our salvation. Please help us to pick up our cross daily and follow you in loving one another. We know it is not always easy to give or even receive love, but we ask for your grace to help us to love as we ought. We know your grace is sufficient for us, and your strength is made perfect in our weakness. And we know that you are the vine, we are the branches, and we can do nothing apart from you. So please fill us with your Holy Spirit – we know you do not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and a sound mind, that by your strength and power, we will be able to love as you have commanded us. Please forgive our unbelief, strengthen and guide us, so we will love as best we can, whenever we can, for as long as we can. We give you all praise, honor, glory and thanks. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Bio

My art has always been in live performance. I have played tuba, trombone, euphonium and trumpet in brass quintets at weddings, brass chorales at concerts, pit orchestras, a dance band, as a church soloist and even in a rodeo band. I have had the opportunity to sing in church choirs or as a soloist and sing concerts at work. I’ve performed in local musicals, an opera and a murder mystery and have enjoyed learning and performing improv comedy. And although my experience in the visual arts is very limited, my artistic experience has been one of observing, interpreting and striving to share something beautiful - a common experience among all artists, I imagine. And I enjoy the accessibility to the visual art world that photography provides. My tendency in music is to stress musicality over virtuosic technical display in service to the melody on brass instruments or in service to the text while singing. Similarly, in the visual arts, I tend to be drawn to abstract or impressionistic works that evoke memories and feelings instead of works in realism. I hope the work I’ve offered ministers to you and brings you enjoyment. Thank you, and God bless you.

Garth Glazier

“Then the Sky Grew Dark”

“Mary Prayed for Her Son”

Artist: Garth Glazier

Title: Touch as Metomorhosis

Medium: Digital Art

Dimensions: 20" x 30" and 17" x 30"

Artist Statement

In "Then the Sky Went Dark" I have focused on the passion of Christ as seen through Mary's eyes. In this work Mary’s delicate touch cradles Jesus in the clouds which are transformed to become the rain and the storm. The design is set in a geometric desert landscape and rendered in an angular style. Although this work was created last March for the 2020 exhibition, it seemed to become even more relevant after months of social isolation and separation.

Touch as Metamorphosis: Mary’s hand cradles the head of Jesus in a transformative moment. Tears become rain, earth rises to meet God, and the sky rains down on earth creating a visual and metaphorical connection. Mary’s strength and endurance are conveyed with the gentle touch of her hand and the calm expression on her face.

In "Mary Prays for Her Son" I have focused on the passion of Christ as seen through Mary's eyes. Women have born a greater burden under Covid as caregivers. They have taken care family, leaving the workforce in many cases. They are heavily represented in hospitals, clinics, and other point of care aspects of the medical industry.

Mary's face and expressive eyes are the center piece of this artwork. “Mary Prays” was originally created for Station 12 of the Stations of the Cross, was inspired by the painting "The Virgin in Prayer" by Giovanni Battista Salvi, Il Sassoferrato. Nature, sky, storm, landscape are all foundations of my art, so in my first icon painting I used the desert as a backdrop.

Touch as Metamorphosis: I chose to focus on Mary’s face and her hands as her son speaks to her from the cross. In here eyes we see our own vulnerability and pain, but also the power of faith. The clasped hands show a gentle touch that speaks to Mary’s gentle but powerful connection with her son.

Scripture

Jesus is Placed in the Tomb

“When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed.” (Matthew 27:57-60)

Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciples

“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman,[a ] here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:25-27)

Prayer:

Oh Lord of heaven and earth

Maker of Man, keeper of the seas,

Watch light over all that is and ever shall be.

I stand in amazement

Enthralled by your creation.

Bound by your laws.

I kneel in humility,

Asking guidance in your ways

Listening for your voice in the quiet spaces.

I search for you in the wind,

Imploring the skies for your word,

Seeking the light of revelation.

You are my foundation.

You are the beginning and ending.

You are the eternal, the ethereal, the constant.

Grant me the wisdom to know the way you have chosen for me.

Show me the well of your strength

So that my fragile spirit may find the way. 

All exultation to thee.

All wisdom to thee.

All that is and ever shall be.

Amen.

Bio

Garth Glazier is an illustrator, art educator, and a fine artist. After Graduating from Alma College in 1980 with a degree in Design and Printmaking Garth returned to the Detroit area to work as a commercial graphic artist for the next 35 years creating illustrations and graphics for national clients as well as the auto industry. His philosophy is, “regardless of the technology used Illustration is and always will be about storytelling.” Garth has created illustrations for the book, magazine, and advertising. Specializing in Procreate, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator as well as traditional media including ink and watercolor he creates images. that evoke, explain, and inspire. Also a writer, he achieved a Masters in Creative Non-Fiction from Oakland University in 2012.

Joanne Kallio

Artist: Joann Kallio

Title: A Vision from the Shore

Medium: Pastel on Sandpaper

Dimensions: 16”x16”

Artist’s Statement

How many of us have sat on a shoreline watching a sunset and been awed by the beauty and vastness of the sky and the intensity of the colors? When this happens to me, I am always struck by the feeling of God’s presence, and during the pandemic, this was especially comforting. On the particular day shown in this pastel, there was a cloud that was different from the others, in that it came downward on a diagonal toward the sun. To me it felt like this cloud was reaching and cradling the sun. Manus Dei or the hand of God, shown brightly in this pastel, was inspired by that diagonal cloud. The right hand of God is blending with the sunset and clouds, and is cradling the sun, symbolizing both God’s work in creation and also in nurturing the world we live in.

Scripture Passage

The heavens declare the Glory of God and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

(Psalm 19:1)

Hymn 134, “Creating God, Your Fingers Trace”

Creating God, Your fingers trace,

The bold designs of farthest space;

Let sun and moon and stars and light,

And what lies hidden praise Your might.

Sustaining God, Your hand uphold

Earth’s mysteries known or yet untold;

Let water’s fragile blend with air,

Enabling life, proclaim Your care.

“Creating God, Your Fingers Trace”, Hymn 134, Verses 1-2

Jeffery Rowthorn 1979, The Presbyterian Hymnal,

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the dawns and the sunsets that bring us joy, calm and peace, now in this challenging time and throughout all our lives. Help us to cherish and protect the earth that you have made for us, as we continue to marvel and be grateful for the beauty of all your creation. Amen

Rhona Lee

"Flower"

"Rain"

"Reach"

"Search"

Artist: Rhona Lee

Title: Search Hand

Size: 23”x33” w/ frame

Medium: ink on paper

Title: Reach Hand

Size: 26”x38” w/ frame

Medium: ink and charcoal on paper

Title: Flower

Size: 13”x13” w/ frame

Medium: acrylic on canvas

Title: Rain

Size: 14”x17” w/ frame

Medium: watercolor on paper

Scripture

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7]

Artist Statement

It was my choice to move abroad to pursue my dream in Fine Arts.

I chose to uproot myself from a world I grew up in and was accustomed to and plunge into a completely new and different one: America. I knew I needed to accept and adapt, but the reality I endured was full of unexpected challenges and cruelties. As an artist, I was immediately sinking into different names of colors where red was called crimson, blue was called ultramarine... and shortly my face turned into burnt sienna. Black and white quickly became my colors of shelter. No more vivid colors for me and with no connections at all, they simply drifted away.

My mind and my heart were all torn apart. Winter came in no time. A white blanket of snow covering the campus altogether suited my inner darkness. I was immersed in this COLD new world and invaded by anxiety. “Lost” might be the best to describe my state at then. I lost my excitement to be here, lost my interests to the surroundings. However, I had not allowed my hands to stop but to increase my art creations. It wasn't until later that I found I had worn out my fingerprints, one of my true identities.

Together we supported, learned and survived. Throughout this difficult time, I met and was surrounded by a group of outreached hands.

Art Statement

No choice but to change.

The whole world has been facing such changes of life, involuntarily.

My fingerprints finally grew back a bit after so many years, but the whorls of my fingerprints got flattened yet again with the constant and thorough washing of hands. It reminded me my old wound…

Still, I know we as the Kirk family could get through it together with many, many Good Hands working behind the scenes.

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 31:24)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23]

Prayer:

“Father, today, fill me with the fruit of the Spirit. Help me to live by the Spirit, and not by the flesh. Let me lead by example, and show my spouse and my children love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, through your Spirit.” Amen. Credit: Anchored Women

Artist Bio:

Rhona Lee came from Taiwan in 1984 pursuing her graduate degree in Fine Arts. She worked as graphic designer/art director before retiring. Rhona is now trying to work her way back to do more Fine Arts, volunteering, and travel.

Lisa Mistiuk

John Mittelsadt

Artist: Lisa Mistiuk

Title:

Dimension: 18x24

Medium: Oil

Artist Statement

To illustrate God's care, I painted a sleeping child, surrounded by roses and holding a rose, symbolic of all that is good and beautiful in this life. We hold tightly to these earthly delights, often forgetting their purpose--which is not only to delight us and remind us of God's care--but to point our gaze upwards to heaven. While beauty has been contorted and used for many illicit purposes, true beauty will lift our gaze and thoughts up and away from ourselves. Think of standing at the ocean, or seeing a new born baby, or viewing an incredible work of art in a museum. For a moment, we become self-forgetful as we are lost in the wonder of what is before us.

Understanding how beauty functions has helped me make time to slow down to really enjoy the beauty around me. Of course, as with any good thing, we face the temptation of wanting to take beauty as the ultimate thing instead of as a beacon, and we struggle to live our lives with open hands - enjoying what God has given us for a time, but not holding too tightly to things that are passing away.

The sleeping child and roses are painted in the shelter of God’s wings. There is no truer way to live a full life than under that covering. It struck me that after the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, as Adam and Eve hid from God, one of their first acts was to try to make themselves a covering, and it seems ever since that time, humanity has continued trying to make coverings. These coverings take on many shapes. We form exteriors to put on, trying to hide our true struggles and fears, accumulating material things, building knowledge, insulating ourselves in every way imaginable from life's hard realties and our inner struggles. In Psalm 91:4, it says that God will cover us with His feathers, and we will find refuge under His wings. And in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, Jesus laments that His people have not come to be covered - because had they come to Him, He would have covered them as a hen covers her chicks. This painting process has been a time of self-examination for me, to look at my life and ask myself, what am I trusting in other than God to cover me? What is giving me security, and what am I clinging too tightly too?

The second painting is of a child that has passed. This was sad to paint. Knowing we will one day leave this earth and all we know is hard. Knowing our loved ones will all go on this journey is also hard. But I am convinced that looking forward to this eventuality is the best - the only way to be able to truly live now. The covering God promises to His people is complete and effective and made manifest in the work of Christ on the cross. Christ is the only covering that will stand the test of time, sheltering us through to the end of time. He is the only covering that can deal with our deepest trouble--the trouble of ourselves and our own sins. So many times we make it about all that is wrong with the world on the outside, while failing to acknowledge and deal with the mess on the inside. It seems so simple to believe and trust in the sacrifice of Jesus, but we often need to be broken to see how flimsy and unsuitable the coverings we have erected are before we will turn in faith, becoming like little children, willing to rest under the father’s wings.

This Lent, I hope we can marvel anew at the sacrifice of Christ, who tasted death and suffering and shame so that we could have hope and eternal life in heaven; I hope we will hear His voice as He calls us to come and take refuge under this covering He has provided.

Scripture

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, "He is my

refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust."

Surely He will save you

from the fowlers snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

(Psalm 91:1-4)

Prayer: ???

Bio:

Lisa Mistiuk began her serious study of art in Germany. During this time she worked closely with several artists and professors developing her figure drawing skills. In 2004 she received a portfolio scholarship in Amsterdam to study art at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Upon returning to her native California she began her studies at the Academy where she focused on oil painting, receiving her BFA with honors in 2009.

Lisa paints primarily in oils with an emphasis on the elements that make up our everyday lives. She has participated in various group and solo shows in the US and is pleased to have her work collected and commissioned internationally. She currently resides in Southern California with her husband and children. Her hope with her work is to continue discovering the meaning and beauty in everyday life and to share these discoveries with others.

Patrice Lockwood

Joslyn Phillips

Linda Finn

Marie Giselle Laurent

David Day Lee

Hannah Pagel

“The Perfect Gift”

Peyton Moose

Hands in Nature "Moose"

Name: Peyton Moose

Title: His Comfort in Nature

Size: 11 x 17

Medium: Digital Art

Artist Statement

I was inspired by how I felt God’s loving hands during the pandemic. It was so essential for myself and family to get out into nature and enjoy the simple moments of walking, the sun shining on our faces and taking time to appreciate what God has given us here in this life. I wanted to showcase the length of our time in shut down by showing God’s hands and love in different seasons. With the subtle transparency of the hands it reminds us that even though sometimes we are unsure, he is always with us.

Scripture

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. (Psalm 19:1)

Prayer

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Irish Blessing

Artist Bio

Artist Peyton Moose, is a new member to the Kirk and is a full time designer at FCA and stylist for Cabi Clothing. She finds peace in nature and uses her time outside to connect in her faith. Thank you for viewing the piece; may you take a moment to reflect on how God has reached his hands to you during this difficult season.

Steve Briggs

Artist: Steve Briggs

Title: The Embracing Hands of God

Medium: Photography. (The photos depict the scene of a large pair of hands made of sand embracing various people and weathering the ravages of time and tide.)

Dimensions: Three rows of seven photos, each photo is 12x12 square. (The order has not been determined and various layouts may offer different interpretations.)

Artist Statement

As I worked from Sanibel Island, Florida during the month of March, I had no art supplies with me. Without the comfort of my home art studio filled with various canvases, paper, easels, paints and pencils of all sorts and colors, I was left with only the materials around me and the tools at hand. Time was running out and a vision of a pair of hands created with sand came to mind: call it divine inspiration!

I borrowed a family’s toy shovel and dug and shaped a giant pair of hands as fast as I could before they left and took the shovel with them.Built in the most beautiful setting I could imagine and using only the materials around me, this representation of God’s presence would be fleeting at best.These photos are meant to capture those moments.

The total time to create The Embracing Hands of God was one hour.

My initial thought of was to have various beach mongers experience the cradling of the hands with friends or alone.Spontaneous or posed, they embodied God’s love and nurturing compassion in a visual way.I felt that their presence completed the message.However, I came to realize that as time passed and the sand hands were washed away by the tides and wind, a new message emerged.This was surprising to me as I felt that God’s presence is also subtle and difficult to discern, but always around us.

And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.”And it was so.God called the dry ground “land”, and the gathered waters he called “seas”.And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:9)

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for the beauty of this day. Embrace us with your love. Watch over us and keep us healthy and safe. Amen.

Bio

My name is Steve Briggs.Since an early age I felt that God had blessed me with a creative and artistic gift.Painting has always come easy to me, now and as it did in high school and college.At Vanderbilt, I had a double major of Fine Arts and Economics. My mediums of choice are watercolor and acrylic, but in a pinch, I will improvise.

Faith And Art Lenten Series 2021:

In Good Hands

Online Event

Opening Remarks

Our Lenten theme this year, “In Good Hands”, was all about trusting in the steadfast love of God in the midst of everything that seems to be affected by the pandemic in ways we could have never imagined. When we feel felt like everything was changing and nothing could be trusted, when we felt lost as to where to turn for comfort and strength, we were constantly reminded of God’s sovereignty and promise that God will never leave us or forsake us.

That’s why this year, our artists focused on God’s healing touch in our lives-- God’s redeeming, ever-creating, comforting and loving touch. God’s hands. When we think about hands, we think about physical touch; we think about care and love. As they created art pieces for this exhibition, they were encouraged to ask the following questions:

Where do you see God’s healing/comforting/loving touch hands during the pandemic?
Where do you see people’s touches (metaphorically as well as literally) that’s healing and loving during this pandemic?
What depiction of physical hands might you find inspiring—either in the Bible (praying hands, crucified hands, saving hands, etc) or in our world today?

What you see here today is the culmination of weeks of reflecting, meditating and living through the pandemic, trusting in the loving hands of God even when the claws of despair tried hard to get a hold of us.

There’s so much joy, agony, trust, love, gratitude and longing in all of the artworks. May you experience the beauty of creation and peace of resting in God’s goodness as your eyes and hearts rest on each piece of extraordinary artwork created by our incredible artists from Kirk in the Hills, First Presbyterian Church of Troy and Starr Presbyterian Church.

In Good Hands,

Pastor Angela

Associate Pastor for Christian Formation

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Karen Benson

Artist: Karen Benson

Title: Healing Hands

Medium: Monotype/Collage

Dimensions: 24" x 30"

Artist Statement

In my work, I have combined two monotypes that have been torn to represent how many of us have been torn from each other while the human silhouette reaches out for another to touch and be healed.

Scripture Passage

Prayer

Artist Bio

Elizabeth Eriksen

Artist: Elizabeth Eriksen

Title: God’s Joys

Medium: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions:

Artist Statement

God loves his children, and we are called to love and respect Him.

Scripture Passage

God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.” (Genesis 1:4)

Prayer

One of my favorite prayers was recited often by my Grandma Shaver, “Bless us O Lord and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Artist Bio

Todd Galloway

Artist: Todd Galloway

Title: Love Is in Our Hands

Medium: Collection of Photographs

Dimensions: 26” x 38”

Artist Statement

Notes on the Creative Process

The photographs were taken with a very short focal length to allow them to become blurry and evoke memories or impressions instead of absolute, specific objects.

The color saturation level and composition of the pictures were mindfully tailored to accentuate the subjects while making them interesting to view and hopefully, ponder.

The scripture verse was placed on roughly cut felt and paper and lettered casually to suggest the importance of the words and not their form.

Scripture Passage

So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)

Prayer

Artist Bio

Garth Glazier

“Then the Sky Grew Dark”

“Mary Prayed for Her Son”

Artist: Garth Glazier

Title: Touch as Metomorphosis

Medium: Digital Art Printed on Aluminum

Dimensions: 20" x 30" and 17" x 30"

Artist Statement

Scripture Passage

Jesus is Placed in the Tomb

Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciples

Prayer:

"Oh Lord of Heaven and Earth"

Oh Lord of heaven and earth

Maker of humankind keeper of the seas,

Watch light over all that is and ever shall be.

I stand in amazement

Enthralled by your creation.

Bound by your laws.

I kneel in humility,

Asking guidance in your ways

Listening for your voice in the quiet spaces.

I search for you in the wind,

Imploring the skies for your word,

Seeking the light of revelation.

You are my foundation.

You are the beginning and ending.

You are the eternal, the ethereal, the constant.

Grant me the wisdom to know the way you have chosen for me.

Show me the well of your strength

So that my fragile spirit may find the way. 

All exultation to thee.

All wisdom to thee.

All that is and ever shall be.

Amen.

Poem

Walking the Path

Together, separate, walking the path.

Footprints are pressed in the snow on broken leaves.

Questions come-

Who has gone before?

Who will come after?

Together, separate, messages are left.

Some have walked together, some alone.

Some steps leave the path-

What did they see?

Where did they go?

Together, separate, walking the path.

Distant figures moving between the trees

Waiting and hoping, to pull down the mask

and walk side by side once again.

Artist Bio

Joann Kallio

Artist: Joann Kallio

Title: A Vision from the Shore

Medium: Pastel on Sandpaper

Dimensions: 16”x16”

Artist’s Statement

Scripture Passage

The heavens declare the Glory of God and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

(Psalm 19:1)

Prayer

Hymn 134, “Creating God, Your Fingers Trace”

Creating God, Your fingers trace,

The bold designs of farthest space;

Let sun and moon and stars and light,

And what lies hidden praise Your might.

Sustaining God, Your hand uphold

Earth’s mysteries known or yet untold;

Let water’s fragile blend with air,

Enabling life, proclaim Your care.

“Creating God, Your Fingers Trace”, Hymn 134, Verses 1-2

Jeffery Rowthorn 1979, The Presbyterian Hymnal,

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Rhona Lee

"Flower"

"Rain"

"Reaching Hands"

"Searching Hands"

Artist: Rhona Lee

Title: Search Hand

Size: 23”x33” w/ frame

Medium: ink on paper

Title: Reaching Hands

Size: 26”x38” w/ frame

Medium: ink and charcoal on paper

Title: Flower

Size: 13”x13” w/ frame

Medium: acrylic on canvas

Title: Rain

Dimensions: 14”x17” w/ frame

Medium: watercolor on paper

In Good Hands- video clip by Rhona Lee

Artist Statement

It was my choice to move abroad to pursue my dream in Fine Arts.

No choice but to change.

The whole world has been facing such changes of life, involuntarily.

My fingerprints finally grew back a bit after so many years, but the whorls of my fingerprints got flattened yet again with the constant and thorough washing of hands. It reminded me my old wound…

Still, I know we as the Kirk family could get through it together with many, many Good Hands working behind the scenes.

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 31:24)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23]

Scripture Passage

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

Prayer:

Artist Bio:

Lisa Mistiuk

Artist: Lisa Mistiuk

Title: Looking Unto Jesus

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions:

Artist Statement

As an artist, my favorite subject is people. I love to look at them, to sketch them, and to wonder at the beauty of this thing God made called mankind. I think if I have a 'gift' as an artist, it is this seeing of beauty and potential where most may see the deficiencies or lack.

That the beauty of God still shines through this sin-stained world is a testament to how great must be the source of this beauty; and the excruciating lengths He went to redeem His fallen people to Himself is a testament to His love. The pull of beauty was used by God to draw me and show me that there is something more, something beyond what we see. As CS Lewis put it, "At present we are on the outside of the world, the wrong side of the door. We discern the freshness and purity of morning, but they do not make us fresh and pure." The beauty around me planted the seeds of longing for something more, and in the cross of Christ, I have found it. Think about your own encounters with beauty and the pull it has on you, drawing you to something outside of yourself...there is a kind of melancholy that sets in as we encounter beauty, because it shows us our lack and our need. There is a push-me pull-you of seeing, longing, unpacking, grappling with, appreciating and falling short of beauty. And now you have a glimpse of the artist process...

For this painting, I wanted to look at those that have put their faith in Jesus and His loving care for them. Many of the faces you see here are smiling. At first I wanted them somber, or reflective, or awestruck. But here's the thing: some of these individuals are bearing very real, difficult crosses of their own. Yet when I talked with them about the painting I was working on and asked if they could be in my project, they would look towards the imaginary cross and SMILE. Smile through tears, smile through pain, smile through situations that have no earthly solution. I learned so much and was incredibly humbled as I encountered these smiling saints. The peace that surpasses understanding is what many of these believers are experiencing as they rest in the unfailing hands of a master potter, knowing that while the circumstances may be hard to understand they will always be for their good and God's glory.

Scripture

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Prayer

Looking to Jesus, hope held high,

knowing this life will soon pass me by;

seeing examples of those on the way;

Trusting His love, by night and by day.

Trials will come, and sorrows and grief,

But His hand extended, as to the thief;

Imperfect, struggling, come! Don't wait,

His grace is enough, His cross the gate.

"Covering" series

Artist: Lisa Mistiuk

Title: "Covering" Series

Dimensions: 18x24

Medium: Oil

Artist Statement

Scripture Passage

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, "He is my

refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust."

Surely He will save you

from the fowlers snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

(Psalm 91:1-4)

Prayer:

“Christ our Covering”

Hovering

Protecting

Holding

Caring

Through this life

Unrelenting

Sheltering.

To the next

Preceding

Leading

The cross enough

Bleeding

Unfailing,

Meeting

Our needing.

Til in heaven

Greeting

Giving.

Power in dying,

Hope in living

Christ alone the everlasting

Covering.

~ Lisa Mistiuk

Artist Bio:

Patrice Lockwood

“The Perfect Gift”

Artist: Patrice Lockwood

Title: The Perfect Gift

Medium: Oil on linen canvas

Dimensions: 20” x 24”

Artist Statement

Inspired by one of my favorite nineteenth century artists, William Bouguereau, I wanted to emulate his style and the focus on his subject’s head and hands to express emotion. Using my daughter and granddaughter as models for the painting, I was able to feel firsthand the love that a mother has for her child. Having that personal connection made it even more special to try and create in art their bond. Love is such a powerful gift that God has given us!

Scripture Passage

Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139: 10)

Prayer

The love of a mother for her child is a beautiful and powerful reminder of God’s love for each of us. He holds all of us gently, but firmly in His hands, just as a mother holds her child.

Heavenly Father, help us to see all whom we meet as a precious child in God’s loving hands. Amen.

Artist Bio

After retiring from a career in dentistry, I began taking art classes for pleasure and have become a perpetual student at Atelier Art Studio in Royal Oak.

John Mittelstadt

You Are Holding My Right Hand!

"Resting in His Hands"

Artist: John R. Mittelstadt

Title: You Are Holding My Right Hand

Media: Pastel and ink

Dimensions: 25” x 27”

Price: $250.00

Artist Statement:

I glimpse Your touch in each starry night,

Though misunderstood in Your ways, I delight.

Where ere I wander there You are,

I know when I'm lonely You’re not very far.

Your love, I know, is mine to share,

So I struggle so desperately to show You care.

Frightened by the rejection of what I believe,

I try to tell that Your words don't deceive.

Driven to tell the price that was paid,

I pray that my story is the same one You made,

Through my art I show what I can't seem to tell,

So please, dear Lord, may I draw it so well.

But how can the story by palette be told?

How can a brush paint that which is gold?

Though silent the pictures, they still bare my soul;

Oh, how I wish all men could be made whole.

This meager beginning can hardly repay

A love so forgiving forever and a day,

Oh Lord, let this art be at least a stepping stone

For me to guide someone to Your heavenly home.

Scripture Passage

“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.” (Psalm 73:23)

Poem

“You Are Holding My Right Hand”

You love me-of this I know I am sure,

Because with Your hand You hold me secure.

Though time after time I've fallen from You,

You reach and You save me from being untrue.

Though Your words on my heart, I still backslide;

Thank God there is Someone in Whom I can confide,

Jesus Your door is always open

With Your hand outreaching, letting hope in,

I've fallen so deep and so many times,

But Your love for me never draws a line,

You reach and grasp and catch me so often,

You'd think that somehow my heart, it would soften.

You've caught me and lifted me from the depths of despair

You've shown me Your love and how much You care.

I disappoint You so often I think You'll let go;

How Your heart can stand it, I never will know.

Though hardhearted and foolish I always will be,

Your hand never ceases to reach out to me.

There've been so many times Your hand has laid hold,

That even in death I'm sure heaven's my abode.

Artist: John R. Mittelstadt

Title: Resting in His Hands

Media: Pastel and ink

Dimensions: 25” x 27”

Price: $250.00

Scripture Passage

“This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.” (Psalm 132:14)

Poem

“Resting in His Hands”

Resting in the Savior’s hands,

Brings us peace no one can understand.

The joy of a faith in a God all-knowing,

Keeps us always and forever growing.

A resting place He provides,

To a better place no one can guide.

He sends us His Spirit to help us learn,

When we rest in Him our faith is firm.

With His wounded hands He lovingly holds us,

His bloody sacrifice for our soul was a must.

He grasps us and lovingly rescues,

To turn away would make us fools.

When things get too busy, and we fall behind,

We know for certain He doesn’t change His mind.

He loves us and always has,

His rest leads to resurrection it’s not just a fad.

Artist Bio

A native of Michigan, I attended Art Center School in California; Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan; and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art from Wayne State University. I retired from a successful career of 38 years as a Technical Illustrator-Writer and Computer Designer in 2003.

I have won numerous Fine Art Awards at both the national and local levels. As an artist, author, and poet, my self-published book entitled, Oh Lord, Open My Eyes, That I May See You in All Things combines this trio of creative efforts. I have won several awards for poetry in conjunction with my fine art. My work has been featured in nine galleries. In addition, it has been displayed nationally at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, Texas.

My work begins as a sketch, painting, or photo(s). These are then imported into one or more computer applications. The applications include Art Studio and Sketch Agent on my iPad or Photoshop and Sketcher on my iMac desktop. I then manipulate the image by combining multiple images, painting, and photo-retouching. The end result is generally more painting than photo.

Peyton Moose

"His Comfort in Nature" series

Name: Peyton Moose

Title: His Comfort in Nature

Dimensions: 11" x 17"

Medium: Digital Art

Artist Statement

Scripture Passage

Prayer

Irish Blessing

Artist Bio

Joslyn Phillips

Artist: Joslyn Phillips

Title: In God's Hands

Medium:

Dimensions:

Artist Statement

God has and always will be there, strengthening and upholding us with his mighty hands. I have tried to convey this message through my artwork by showing God upholding his creation of life and beauty, pouring it down and offering it to the world below. At the beginning of my project, when I was drawing God’s hands, I was honestly thinking of what color I should use to portray them? I eventually selected silver because I thought of how our congregation imagines God when we are all praying together, and how many different colors and shades are swirling around. I imagined all of those beautiful colors blending together to make our God.

I feel like my art piece particularly resonates with the part of the verse that says, “I will strengthen you, I will help you,”. In my art piece, God is holding all of this amazing opportunity. Fruitful bushes, flowing water, lots of animals and instead of keeping it all to himself, he is offering it out for his children to take.

Altogether, my art piece conveys the message that God has and always will be there looking out for his children--helping us, strengthening us, and holding us up with his righteous hands.

Scripture Passage

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for strengthening and helping us through this rough year together, and I ask that you please keep upholding us and teaching us to uphold each other even when we stray from the path you set us on. Amen.

Bio

Joslyn Phillips is an 8th grader at Bloomfield Hills Middle School. She has been attending the Kirk her whole life and is actively involved in the youth choirs and youth group. When she’s not singing, you can either find Joslyn doing laps in a pool or curled up with a coffee mug and a good book.

Hannah Pagel

Artist: Hannah Pagel

Title: God’s Print

Medium: Digital and charcoal printed on glass

Size: 16"x20"

Artist Statement

I wanted to create a piece that reflected God’s presence in everything—even during the pandemic. Many times we are quick to think that we are alone in this broken world or that God is far away and we forget that He is with us constantly, especially in the dark struggles and trials that we face.

I prayed for inspiration, and I felt God leading me to create a picture of his open hands to show that He is with us, carrying us, sustaining us and holding all things together. He then led me to look up the many Bible passages that reference His hand. I compiled these scriptures to create God’s “thumbprint”. The Bible says that we can clearly see that God has his hand in all things because creation is the evidence. My hope is that this work brings peace, clarity and a clear reminder that we are not alone and that if you take time to truly look around, you will find God at work in everything.

Scripture Passage

Romans 1:20 (MSG)

But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse.

Prayer

(A Prayer from King David excerpted from Psalm 3 to remind us where our help comes from and who sustains us at all times—even in a pandemic!)

“But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid…” Amen.

Artist Bio

Hannah Pagel moved with her family from England to Michigan when she was very young. Kirk in the Hills has been a part of Hannah’s family for decades. Her mother, Ruth Reading, is an active elder in the church and the Christian faith has been a deeply rooted part of their lives for generations.

Hannah currently lives in Berkley, with her husband, Eric and three daughters, Abbie & Emilie (age 7) and Lucie (age 5). Hannah has a degree in graphic design and started her own creative business called, Keylime Designs. She creates a wide range of custom works for clients ranging from wooden signs to animal portraits to wedding invitations to Christmas gnomes! Hannah uses her business as a way to raise funds for The House of Providence—a rehabilitation center in Oxford for foster children.

Steve Briggs

https://photos.shutterfly.com/story_invite/

Artist: Steve Briggs

Title: The Embracing Hands of God

Medium: Photography. (The photos depict the scene of a large pair of hands made of sand embracing various people and weathering the ravages of time and tide.)

Dimensions: Three rows of seven photos, each photo is 12x12 square. (The order has not been determined and various layouts may offer different interpretations.)

Artist Statement

The total time to create The Embracing Hands of God was one hour.

My initial thought was to have various beach mongers experience the cradling of the hands with friends or alone.Spontaneous or posed, they embodied God’s love and nurturing compassion in a visual way.I felt that their presence completed the message.However, I came to realize that as time passed and the sand hands were washed away by the tides and wind, a new message emerged.This was surprising to me as I felt that God’s presence is also subtle and difficult to discern, but always around us.

Scripture Passage

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for the beauty of this day. Embrace us with your love. Watch over us and keep us healthy and safe. Amen.

Artist Bio

My name is Steve Briggs. Since an early age I felt that God had blessed me with a creative and artistic gift.Painting has always come easy to me, now and as it did in high school and college.At Vanderbilt, I had a double major of Fine Arts and Economics. My mediums of choice are watercolor and acrylic, but in a pinch, I will improvise.

Linda Finn

Artist: Linda Finn

Title: Do for One Another

Medium: Chalk pastel on paper

Dimensions:

Artist Statement

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God, . . .” (John 13:3) And what does Jesus do next? Emphasize his authority? Reveal his majesty? Yes, but in a most unexpected way. “So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13:4-5) Jesus reveals his power, authority, and majesty through love, humility and service. He tells his disciples, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:14-15)

Feet can be dirty and unpleasant-not unlike our sin. But Jesus is neither repulsed nor deterred from his intent. He does not turn away in disgust, but rather invites us to be washed clean. Made new, forgiven. And yes, to become his imitators.

Give me your grime,

Let me wash you;

Here is my cleansing

And forgiveness.

You’re going to need this after I’m

gone.

Just receive it-

don’t try to master it

or shape it

or put your conditions on it.

Let it master you

My love given

And imitate it

Anywhere and everywhere

Because I’ve shown you how.

Scripture Passage

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (John 13:3-5, 14-15)

Prayer

Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

(From the hymn, “Take My Life, and Let It Be”)

Artist Bio

My name is Linda Finn. Brian, my husband, and I live in Waterford and have been members of Starr Church since 1998. We love our church family and the many ways to participate and serve there. We have four grown children, two sons and two daughters, and three darling grandchildren. Our youngest son, Greg, and his sweet girlfriend, Samantha, are pictured here. The rest of our children are far flung in Seattle WA, and New Port Richey, FL. As you may imagine, we manage to do some traveling!

Marie Laurent

Artist: Marie's Laurent
Title: grand-mère
Medium: Acrylic, wood, paint

Dimensions: 36” x 36”

Artist Statement

The painting is representation of connection between family and generations. The entire painting was done with line. The child and grandmother are eternally connected through line and color. The medium of wood symbolizes strength. In ridges, growth lines and indents of the wood are purposely visible through the medium to show time and growth. More than conceptual, this painting is experiment of line, color, and medium to represent family ties.

Scripture

So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. (Romans 12:5)

Prayer

O Lord, make us one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Amen

Artist Bio

Marie Laurent is a native of Bloomfield Hills and Kirk member. She attended the School of Visual Arts in New York for her BFA. Since returning to Michigan in 2013, she has been a regular attendee and volunteer of the Kirk.

Daniel Ludden

Artist: Daniel Ludden
Title: Guardian Angel

Medium: Ink

Dimensions: 18x24

Artist Statement

To me this picture represents God sending a guardian angel during times of sorrow.

Scripture

“Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “my soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:36-39

Prayer

Dear God please send people guardian angels when they are sad and help everyone find light when there is darkness.

Artist Bio

My name is Daniel Ludden, I am a freshman at North Farmington High school. I enjoy swimming and am on the North swim team. I like watching Korean dramas and also drinking coffee when I can. I also have one brother who's in college.

2021 Show

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