Historical and Architectural Question about Huntsville, AL's First Baptist Church

"Jesus Mosaic" by Gordon Smith, Photo: Eric Shindelbower

We had a question submitted to the art blog from MB: "I have a question rather than a post. I was recently in Huntsville, doing some research at the library. I am a historian and architectural historian. I was struck by the First Baptist Church. Do you know how I can find out who designed it. Web searches have come up empty. Thanks!"

This is what we found on the church's website

Building Information

Have you ever wondered why the building of Huntsville's First Baptist Church is designed the way it is? There is a wonderful meaning behind the design of the church that was rebuilt in the 1960's.

The Sanctuary Design for Worship
Sanctuary Virtual Tour
The Mosaic on the front of the building
The Stained Glass Windows
48-Bell Carillon Steeple

http://www.fbchsv.org/aboutfbc/buildinginfo.html

Funky Fridays Art Showing at Artisan's Cove, Hampton Cove, AL

Calling all artists. Introducing Funky Fridays, held the second Friday of each month, at the Artisan's Cove Reflectives Art Gallery and Gardens.
Artists are encouraged to bring their art and join in the fun. There will be no fee for this art event! Yes, I said it...NO fee. All that is asked is that the artists make some sort of donation (if they have sold anything) to the charity for that evening! Each Funky Friday will have a different charity represented. Artists will be tucked away throughout the studio and gardens. Along with art, there will be food, snowballs (ice slushies), fresh farm produce, herbs and lots of fun. If you are interested in participating in this event, please contact Marguerite McClintock @ 658-2234. She will be assigning spaces on a first come first serve basis. So hurry....time is slipping away for the first event which will be held on Friday June 12 from 4 -830pm. What a great way to sell your art (or craft) and give a little something back to the community. http://www.artisanscove.com/ We do not discriminate against any age, race, gender, or beliefs but we are founded on Christian principles.

From Ascribing Artist Vicki Garner

Vicki Garner illustrated a children's book recently by Stephen B. Hughes. Take a look!

"The Adventures of Bruno A. Dogg and Bowser T. Houn"

Vicki Garner

www.applepandowdy.com

U.S. ARMY 2009 ARTS AND CRAFTS CONTEST

From: Gina Hurst, Redstone Arts and Crafts Center gina.hurst@us.army.mil

U.S. ARMY 2009 ARTS AND CRAFTS CONTEST

June M. Hughes Military and Civilian Arts and Crafts Center is accepting
artwork for the annual U.S. ARMY 2009 ARTS AND CRAFTS CONTEST. The
juried show deadline is June 30, 2009.

Compete for cash prizes against the best artists and artisans in the
U.S. Army! Enter your best 2D or 3D artwork. Maximum 3 entries.

Categories: Ceramics, Wood, Fibers and Textiles, Glass, Metals and
Jewelry, Mixed Media-2D and 3D, Drawings, Prints, Watercolor

Eligibility: Authorized MWR (Morale Welfare and Recreation) patrons are
eligible to enter: Active/Retired/Reserve Military Personnel, Currently
employed DoD/DA/NASA Civilians, Redstone/NASA Contractors, and their
family members.

Classes: Novice & Accomplished

Entry Deadline: June 30, 2009

Submit: Original artwork to June M. Hughes Military and Civilian Arts
and Crafts Center for local level competition. Artwork which is selected
for advancement to the Regional Army wide competition will be submitted
via digital files to contest website. Original artwork submitted for
juried contest will be on exhibit at the June M. Hughes Military and
Civilian Arts and Crafts Center July thru August 2009.

Contest information and assistance is available at June M. Hughes
Military and Civilian Arts and Crafts Center, Building 3615 Vincent Dr.,
Redstone Arsenal, AL.
(256) 876-7951 or redstone-mwr.art@conus.army.mil

Access the contest website
http://new.armymwr.com/recleisure/artsandcrafts/default.aspx

Army Arts and Crafts provides opportunities for all members of the
military community to engage in skill development activities and explore
their creativity. Participation in Arts and Crafts activities promotes
stress reduction, encourages self reliance, expands technical knowledge
and cultural awareness and develops technical and problem solving
skills.

Artist, Betty Burchfield: "Sleep Little Babies"

From Ascribing Artist, Betty Burchfield:

This painting is taken from the photo below. What a memory to capture! This is my granddaughter, Josee, and golden retriever puppy, "Lucky".

"Sleep Little Babies" by Betty Burchfield, copyright

This little one, Josee, was on a pallet on the floor taking a nap. "Lucky" was wide awake and I was hesitant to put the puppy beside Josee. When I put him down nex to her, that little puppy just snuggled right in and went to sleep.

study photo for painting "Sleep Little Babies"

Just one of those special memories that says to me...."I must make a painting of this." That is why I like to paint using someone's favorite photo. I can capture the picture in oils that will last forever.

Josee is now four years old and is "Grandmother Goose's" model for other paintings.

God is so good to give me the talent of being an artist. My reward is making people happy. That is my gift back to Him.

Betty Burchfield, "Little Reb"
Please sign my guest book at:
http://www.littlereb.com
(porcelain dolls)

Please sign my guest book at:
http://treasuredreflections.net
(Oil Paintings

http://www.porcelaindollmakers.com/
(to view porcelain dollmakers)

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you.....:
Jesus Christ and the American Soldier
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Artists Link added: Robin Roberts

The Ascribing Artists blog would like to welcome artist, Robin Roberts! We have added her website to our artist links. Please check out her artwork at: www.RobinRobertsArt.com

Robin also has a blog, Southern Painter, where she posts her weekly journal of oil painting.

If you visit, you will find this introduction:
Welcome to Southern Painter - my way to chat with you about the journey of painting in oils. I can tell you small stories of the paintings better than on the website. Painting for me is visual journaling. Like cutting wood, it warms twice. Once in the pleasure of accomplishing a nice record of what excites me, and once again to share with you the paintings. You get to see the way oil paintings progress, so you share in developing them. thanks!! Ps 96

Side note: The Ascribing Artists blog was delighted to see Robin's notation of Ps 96 and made an independent post at: Ascribe to the Lord

Athens, AL: Art On The Square Summer Art Camps

Limestone County Courthouse Art Piece created collaboratively by local children who participated in AOTS Art Camps.

Visual Arts Camp for grades 1-6 on June 9, 2009

from 9a.m.- noon.

Children will experience painting and sculpture projects as well as collaborative work and will take 2 finished projects home.

Film Camp for grades 7-12 on June 27,2009 from 9a.m - 2p.m.

There will be instruction in selection of subjects,equipment, editing and more. All will be taught in a relaxed setting with instructors who are well versed in the creation of superior films.

Fee is $25. per child with special rates for siblings in the same class. See our website for details and applications www.aots-athens.com or call 256-444-8156 and leave a message.

WE SUPPORT ART !!!! Art On The Square, Inc. (AOTS) is a non-profit organization, created by a dedicated group of volunteers, to support local artists, promote art education, and bring cultural events to downtown Athens, Alabama.

Art On The Square,
P.O. Box 1560
Athens, Alabama 35612

www.aots-athens.com

Athens, AL: Calling All Artists- Art On The Square

Dear Artists!

Please take this opportunity to apply to the AOTS fine arts festival. We hope to share what you have to express with our community as we inspire great things that are happening.

Our festival will be Sept. 12, 2009.

The application due date is July 1, 2009.

This is a juried show.

We look forward to meeting you.

Please check out our website.

Look for the

artist application page.

Most sincerely,

Diane Lehr

AOTS

Ascribe to the Lord Psalm 96

Psalm 96 (New International Version)

Psalm 96

1 Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.

5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.

6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.

9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his [a] holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.

10 Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns."
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.

11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it;

12 let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;

13 they will sing before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his truth.

News from Ascribing Artist: Vicki Garner

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that my paintings can now also be viewed at a new gallery here in Lawrenceburg, TN.

The Spotted Cow Art and Antiques Gallery
106 Waterloo Street
Lawrenceburg, TN 38464

Other news:

My painting, "Life by Degrees" won a merit award at the Marguerite Rose Burton Art Show in Lawrenceburg in April.

Another painting, "Out to Pasture" has been accepted into the "Embracing Art" show at the Carnegie Art Center in Decatur, AL. A public reception will be held on June 19th.

I have completed illustrations for a children's book which is due to be published this summer. As soon as the information is available, I will let you know where and how you can purchase the book.

Vicki

www.applepandowdy.com

Artist Link added: Adrienne Rowe-Saulsbury

Flower by Adrienne Rowe-Saulsbury, copyright

The Ascribing Artists blog would like to welcome artist, Adrienne Rowe-Saulsbury! We have added her art website to the artist links. Please check out her artwork at: www.SimplyAdrienne.com

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

Watch for Adrienne's Ascribing Artist Featured Artist spot coming up soon! Also, visit her upcoming art showing "The Journey" Alabama State Black Archives Research Center and Museum @ A&M University May 26-June 30

Restoring the Arts to the Church

Restoring the Arts to the Church: The Role of Creativity in the Expression of Truth
By Colin Harbinson

Copyright Article: http://www.lausanneworldpulse.com/themedarticles.php/409/07-2006?pg=all

What is A.R.T.? (Awareness, Reconciliation and Transformation)

"We are created to be creative: and we have stewardship responsibilities that come with that gift. The more we find fittingness in the God given responsibility, the more freedom we will find in our expression". -Makoto Fujimura

From Makoto Fujimura essay: What is A.R.T.? (Awareness, Reconciliation and Transformation)
http://makotofujimura.blogspot.com/2006/02/art-introduction.html#links

Artists as Curators of Truth

"...As a reflection of the Creator upon the created, every artist has the potential to become a curator of the message of truth, which serves to resurrect the underlying hope within the audience of mankind." -Ron Kelsey

Ron wrote a comment on Christian artist, Makoto Fujimura's website: www.makotofujimura.com

Art and Evangelism

"Both general revelation and special revelation are God’s masterpieces; He is the original artist/communicator. When we use the art we have created to communicate eternal truth, we are just copying, on a very small scale, what God has already done". -Paul Nethercott

Excerpt from Paul Nethercott's article: Using the Arts to Reach Japan for Christ
http://www.lausanneworldpulse.com/themedarticles.php/431/07-2006?pg=all

The Women of God Art Retreat: "Connect your Creativity to the Creator"

From Ann Hamilton
256 845 3398
Fort Payne, Al 35967

www.ArtForArtLovers.net traffic is now directed to
www.WomenOfGodArtRetreat.net

Blog: The Women of God Art Retreat

The Women of God Art Retreat
"Connect your Creativity to the Creator:"

Introduces art as a creative path to spirituality in a new and special way.

Curriculum:

Mornings: 10-12 am
Afternoon: 1:30-4 p.m.

Day One: Morning Opening with prayer of silence, and discussion of expectations from the retreat; Easily Amused Workshop, using acrylics to paint a favorite subject. Discussion on choice of subject matter. Afternoon, finish painting. Close with prayer of gratitude.

Day Two: Morning-Opening with prayer of silence; experimental workshop using mixed media by Ann Hamilton; workshop begins with demonstration; Afternoon, compete a painting using new techniques. End of day, silent prayer of gratitude

Day Three: introduction of watercolors; beginners and advanced-using techniques of Ann Hamilton; includes demonstration. Afternoon Session-Painting a landscape with watercolors. End of day, silent prayer of gratitude

Day Four: Morning- Opening with prayer of silence; Participants paint watercolor landscape under the direction of Ann. Afternoon-continuing to work with watercolors; end of day's session, discussion or retreat experience, creativity and spirituality Close with silent prayer of thanksgiving. Close of day write and open letter to family members, friends, or yourself describing the retreat experience (with permission letters will be sent to all members following the retreat.) End of day, silent prayer of gratitude.

Extra Day Five: Schedule of Private Lessons. $25 per hour (If Desired)Four Day/Four Night Retreat: $400 (Basic Supplies Included)

For more information, please contact Ann Hamilton:
450 Elm St. NW
Fort Payne, Al 35967
256 845 3398
ann_hamilton@bellsouth.net
www.WomenOfGodArtRetreat.net

Artists Links added: Karen Whitley and Angela True

The Ascribing Artists blog would like to welcome artists, Karen Whitley and Angela True! We have added their artist blog sites to our artist links. Please check out their artwork at: Karen Whitley and Angela True. 

Watch for their Featured Artist spot coming up soon! 

FACING JESUS PAINTING TOUR

http://facingjesus.blogspot.com/

Athen's AL artist Carole Foret started a new ministry

FACING JESUS PAINTING TOUR
AN ARTFUL, SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE

http://facingjesus.blogspot.com/

WHAT IS FACING JESUS?

Carole Foret’s painting “Facing Jesus” will be on tour from Easter 2009 through Easter 2010. Launching to it’s first Pilgrim, it will “live” in that Pilgrim’s environment for 14 days when at that point the Pilgrim must ship the painting on to the next Pilgrim. This Tour is open to only 20 Pilgrims and is open to people of all faiths.

"It is my joy to share my painting of Jesus with others as a ministry of making Jesus present in the lives of others in a unique way. For 20 people, who will be known as Pilgrims, this unique art experience will be possible. I want to hear their stories and experiences as to how the painting affects each Pilgrim as they live their spiritual walk with the painting, whether a person is just beginning his/her walk or furthering it. My own Jesus painting sits in my reading area so that I can gaze upon His face and feel Jesus’ “presence” more fully as I grow in my relationship with Him--I want to share that very invitation to grow with others." ~Carole Foret www.caroleforet.com

Featured Artist: Kathie Depew

A small sample selection of Cotton Ridge Pottery handcrafted stoneware clay pendants.

Pottery by Cotton Ridge Designs, Kathryn Depew, Owner & Artist

“Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand”. Isaiah 64:8

After appreciating and collecting wheel-thrown pottery for many years, I had the opportunity in July 2006 to begin lessons. The feel of the clay immediately captured my imagination, and I was hooked! We sold my first pottery at a craft show in December 2006, and the customer response encouraged me to continue. While admiring some lovely glass pendants, the idea
came to my mind of stoneware clay pendants, fired with the beautiful glazes used on pottery. Since that day, I have learned that artists have been making clay jewelry throughout history! I am rather awed that we can continue this tradition through my company, adding our own ideas and imagination.

My company offers moderately priced jewelry for customers who enjoy unique, handcrafted pieces. We first introduced the pendants at a craft show in 2007, and were greatly encouraged by enthusiastic responses from customers and friends.
Customers’ encouragement, orders from specialty shops and the opportunity to display my work in a local gallery all continue to buoy my eagerness to explore the endless possibilities in pendant design.

My sincere desire is to allow Christ to live His life through me to bless others and bring glory to God in all aspects of my life, including through my company. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) Art and crafts in various forms have been part of my life since I was a child, and I am thrilled to now be involved in creating stoneware clay art that can be enjoyed for years to come!

I grew up as an Air Force kid mostly in Southern California and northern Virginia. I now live in a rather quiet suburban neighborhood just outside of the city of Huntsville, Alabama with my husband of 9 years and my cat. After earning a B.B.A. in Accounting from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, I worked professionally as an accountant and an analyst for 10 years in the Washington, DC area and in Huntsville, Alabama. I started Cotton Ridge Designs, LLC, an internet company selling collectibles, in 1999. Cotton Ridge Pottery was established in 2007 under this existing company.

To learn more about Kathie Depew's pottery please visit: www.cottonridgepottery.com



Cotton Ridge Pottery
Cotton Ridge Designs, LLC, PO Box 35, Ryland, AL 35767
(256) 852-7791 crdpottery@bellsouth.net www.cottonridgepottery.com

Featured Artist: Shawn Doughty

“Who, What and Where State Art” ALABAMA, by Shawn Doughty, copyright

“Who, What and Where State Art” GEORGIA, by Shawn Doughty, copyright

“Who, What and Where State Art” VIRGINIA, by Shawn Doughty, copyright

Shawn Doughty ARTIST STATEMENT

As a self taught artist I was born and raised in Muncie, Indiana which is an artist’s haven having produced several well known artists such as landscape artist Bob Ross and Garfield comic creator, Jim Davis.

As I grew up in Muncie it was impossible not to be influenced by these men’s work to some degree as I would often sit on the couch with my grandmother and watch Bob Ross paint his small little rocks and bushes as he talked to the audience in his soft Godly voice.

My grandparents were very Godly people who not only encouraged my artistic abilities as a young child but also had a large influence in displaying their strong Christian faith in front of me which eventually lead to my acceptance of Christ in my life.
Over the years I have experimented with many different art mediums which included woodworking, woodcarving and painting. However, my childhood love of illustrating reemerged in my twenties and I began to experiment with ink and colored pencils. It was at this time I began to write and illustrate small children’s books for my little niece and then was also invited to draw and write devotionals for our Sunday school class which would be posted once a week.

It wasn’t until about five years ago that God gave me the idea for the creation of the “Who, What and Where State Art” series while living in Lexington, Kentucky. From that one state it has now grown into six states which include Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia and Indiana. Each piece usually consists on average of twenty-five to thirty different scenes which takes nearly four to six month to research and create.

God has definitely blessed my work and has also given me a wonderful family. My wife has been extremely supportive and prays for God to bless my artwork daily. If it wasn’t for her prayers and help I could not juggle my full time job as a chemist and try to grow my art business on the side.

I also have a wonderful son who is beginning to grow in his appreciation of art and loves God dearly, having accepted Christ as his savior two years ago when he was five. For all of this I give God praise!

To learn more about Shawn Doughty please visit his website at: www.WhoWhatWhereArt.com