Help needed to take Street Art to Thailand

Updated news from Ascribing Artist Michael Aaron Williams!  Michael is taking his street art to Thailand and hopefully to a few more Asian areas and he needs our help. His trip through this new way of funding in which people help fund his project and get his artwork in return. Check out the link and help if you can:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/675282389/9-countries-and-counting-a-global-street-art-endea?ref=live

Also, check out his website at www.michaelaaronart.com. 

Michael Aaron Williams

Phone: 865-719-6307

Email: michaelaaronart@gmail.com

Website: www.michaelaaronart.com

City Intercessors: February Prayer for the Arts in the Huntsville, AL community

Just a brief explanation of what Mission Huntsville's City Intercessors are doing and an invitation to join in our prayer gathering this coming Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012.

Our group is made up of intercessors from various denominations who have a heart to see God's Kingdom come and His will be done in Huntsville/Madison County. Many Christians have been faithfully praying through the years, but this specific group has been meeting for about 2 years. Our strategy is to pray concerning what we call the 7 Mountains (7 mind-molders of culture) which are the Family, Church, Government, Education, Business, Media, Arts and Entertainment. We bless Christians working and influencing each of these spheres of culture and pray for Godly, Kingdom-minded leaders to rise to the top. We pray for each of the "mountains" using a daily prayer calendar (see Feb. 2012 attached) and meet once a month to pray together. Started out meeting in different churches, but have now moved outside the four walls and love how effective it is to pray on-site with guests who represent that particular mountain.

So this month we are praying over the mountain of Arts and Entertainment. Allison Dillon-Jauken has graciously welcomed us to come to The Arts Council office at the Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe St. Suite #2, Huntsville, AL 35801. You are welcome to come pray with us from 6 - 7pm. We'll be praying positive, Scripture-based requests that God release His love and glory through the artists of our city.

Blessings,
Connie Oakley
Servant Administrator

Mission Huntsville is a city-reaching initiative birthed out of the Greater Huntsville Pastors Prayer Summit movement that serves as a free resource to the Christian community to help fascilitate area-wide ministry, enable specific areas of strategic focus, and to help serve, support, communicate, coordinate, and mobilize area ministry efforts and community initiatives.

May the LORD open the heavens over Huntsville!

Scrapbookers and Crafters Get Together February 18th, 2011

For all you scrapbookers and crafters out there, once a month a group of ladies get together at Willowbrook Baptist Church to work on their latest project. They are meeting Friday night, February 18th, from 5-9:30 in room 135. The front doors to the church will probably not be unlocked, so you will need to go in through the doors near the Go Kids area - to the right of the building near the basketball court.

Willowbrook Baptist Church
7625 Bailey Cove Road Southeast
Huntsville, AL 35802
(256) 883-0907

If you have any questions or want to know when the next scheduled night will be, you can email Jennifer Herring at herringrx@hotmail.com

Artists use talents for glory of God

A great article on the revival of the arts in our culture:

Artists use talents for glory of God

Deep into the heart of Texas, 2,500 writers, poets and scholars brought their creative hunger in February for a big helping of “Art and Soul,” an international festival of religious faith and literary art.

In the basement of New York’s Empire State Building, 400 painters, actors and musicians from 14 states and three countries gathered in March for a weeklong conference on “Art as Prayer, Prayer as Art.”

And this summer, from Hollywood, Calif., and Santa Fe, N.M., to Minneapolis, Minn., and Washington, hundreds of other artistic souls will bring their creative passions together for one purpose: Jesus.

It seems the evangelical church giant is beginning to stir from its long aesthetic sleep. For the first time in decades, artists are finding new opportunities for expression in their Christian communities.

TO READ MORE OF THIS COPYRIGHT STORY PLEASE VISIT:

http://thealabamabaptist.org//print-edition-article-detail.php?id_art=634

Art Print- Rwanda Mission Trip Fundraiser

16 Main Gallery will be hosting a FUNDraiser for Amanda Blanton.

She is a local college student and artist. Amanda has created a beautiful painting entitled,

"A Rwandan Sunset in Kibuye" and will be selling prints of the painting.

All proceeds will go to funding Amanda's mission trip to Rwanda in May 2011.

Come and enjoy an evening of fun, food and art while helping one of our own local artists.

We hope to see you there,

The Artists of 16 Main Gallery

16 Main Gallery is located at 16 Main Street, Madison, AL 35758 http://16main.blogspot.com

256-325-0161

Excerpt taken from: “In Defense of Christian Arts”

People of this world do not understand our Christian language. How can we speak to them in a way that they will understand? People of the world do not think it is necessary to believe. How can we get past their defenses to get to their hearts? The world, in trying to sell its philosophies understands one thing that we forgot. A person will not really believe something until it speaks to his feelings and his spirit.

The media uses what they know about how the mind works and the power of the arts, drama, photography, film, dance, story telling, etc. to speak to people and sell us whatever they want. This is a pity because the arts originally belonged to the people of God. Now they are seldom used and often categorized as superfluous or unnecessary. From stories of the son’s of Seth, to the portrayals of the prophets, to the dances of the Israelites, to the stories of the Rabbis, to the medieval Passion plays that portrayed Christ’s last days on earth, to film and story today, believers have always used the Arts, for worship, evangelism, teaching, enjoyment and exhortation. Why have so many churches thrown the gift of the creative arts back in the face of our Creator God? The only reason I can think of is fear.

Fear is never a good reason to make a decision. If the arts are corrupt in the world, then we need not to say the arts are corrupt. We need to bring them back to where they belong, in the holy service of Our King.”

Excerpt taken from:

“In Defense of Christian Arts”

Art Organization Link Added: The New Renaissance Rising

J. Scott McElroy, the author of the book "Finding Divine Inspiration" also has a website:

The New Renaissance Rising. It is a very informative website:

As noted on his website:

The resources, materials and ideas on this site are designed to Equip, Connect and Inspire artists and churches of all denominations for their place in God's renewal of the arts, and the art’s role in God's transformation and redemption of the world. This site features original information and also serves as a portal to other organizations who are pursuing God's heart for the arts and humanity.

http://www.thenewr.org

Huntsville Times: Artists show faith through creativity

"Psalm 19:1" by Paul LaBathe, copyright

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Artists show faith through creativity

Friday, April 02, 2010

By Kay Campbell

Times Faith & Values Editor kay.campbell@htimes.com

Christian designers aim to 're-claim the arts' with network of encouragement

ELKMONT- Graphic artist Paul LaBathe caught his first glimpse of Ascribing Artists, a networking group for Christian artists he helped found, back when he was looking for direction from God.

LaBathe's secure job at Dynetics was changing, and he wondered if God were calling him to another path.

As is his custom, he began reading through the Psalms, praying his question as he read through the poems of thanksgiving, complaint and praise. He also wondered how his artistic abilities fitted in with his Christian calling.

Then he came to Psalm 29:2: "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name."

"That's it," he thought. "Everything I do, even if it's not obviously Christian, is for the glory of God."

The idea of a logo created out of a capital "A" drawn under an up-side-down "A" came into his mind as the perfect way to capture the goal of a Christian artist: To reflect God's glory, not his own.

TO READ MORE OF THIS COPYRIGHT ARTICLE GO TO:

http://www.al.com/religion/huntsvilletimes/news.ssf?/base/living/1270199721122330.xml&coll=1

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PAUL LABATHE GO TO:

http://www.EmptyTombGraphics.com

Ascribing Artists: Focus On Faith TV Segment

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us yesterday. The interview with Stephanie Beecken WAAY TV 31 went great! The Lord continues to open doors for Ascribing Artists to reflect His Glory!

We would like to thank Adrienne Saulsbury, Denise Onwere, Johanna Littleton, and Terri Shows for participating in the interview. You can find their artwork at Lowe Mill Arts on the third floor. Also, Paul LaBathe provided Ascribing Artist background info.

The Ascribing Artists: Focus On Faith TV Segment aired last night at 10PM and again today at 5AM, 6AM and 11AM. I hope you can catch it!

Link to video: Focus On Faith: Ascribing Artists

We want to thank Stephanie Beecken for this wonderful opportunity!

Interview Transcript:

Dozens of people in North Alabama are using their God given talents to teach others about faith.

60 Valley artists have come together and formed the group called ‘Ascribing Artists.' They do everything from paint, draw and sculpt all while giving glory to God.

Denise Onwere has been an artist for 5 years.

She's always loved to paint and decided to fulfill her passion and talent full time.

"I know that there are a lot of people out there who have something that God has given them and they should know that and it's okay to say God has given me this and I'm proud of it," said Onwere.

She is not alone.

Paul Labathe is strong in faith and an artist as well. He founded the Ascribing Artists group.

"Basically is comes from Psalm 29:2 which is, ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name," said Labathe.

The artists come from all over North Alabama.

Some have a studio at Lowe Mill in Huntsville.

There is no charge to join.

The group even has a blog with links to the artists' websites.

"The point is to, in the opportunity He's given us, is to show our art and exhibit our art is to try to point others to come and know the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we do," said Labathe.

The Ascribing Artists display their work in exhibits across North Alabama.

The Artists will have their work on display during two upcoming exhibits.

Scheduled Ascribing Artists Exhibits:

A Work of Heart

Reflectives Frame & Art gallery, 220 Old Highway 431, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

April 1-30, 2010 Reception and art talk April 11, 1-3 PM

Reflections of the Spirit

Huntsville Art League, 3005 L&N Dr. Suite 2, Huntsville AL 35801

May 1-31, 2010 Reception and art talk May 16, 1-3 PM

Reporter: Stephanie Beecken

Focus on Faith Interview

Hello Ascribing Artists,

We are very thankful to our Lord for the following opportunity He has made available for us. Stephanie Beecken with WAAY TV will be featuring the Ascribing Artists ministry for her Focus on Faith segment. Today at 4:00 she will be interviewing several Ascribing Artists who have studios at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment.

Lowe Mill

www.lowemill.net

2211 Seminole Drive Southwest

Huntsville, AL 35805

(256) 533-0399

Get directions

We invite everyone to come out and give support. If you are not able to make it, we ask that you diligently pray for those there to speak and act in a manner worthy of the gospel. That those speaking would do so clearly and boldly as the Spirit leads. That those hearing would truly hear and have their hearts softened.

Thanks for your support and prayers,

Gina Hurst and Paul LaBathe

What is the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists?

From local artist and art advocate, Carole Esk'ridge: (and founder of the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists)

What is the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists?

An Academy inspired by the American Academy in Rome. It will not be focused on the academic status. It will be guided by talent and devotion of the Student to an art form(s) as a career. It will be a place to live and learn the Art forms the Student loves from dancing, to writing, to singing, to acting, to painting and beyond.

Who would qualify for entrance to the Academy?

The disabled who are physically, mentally and / or financially challenged, who are art career minded, who are hard workers, who passionately love creating, who have a body of work in an art form, who will listen to their teachers / mentors and work at learning and create a body of work while at a seminar or living at the Academy.

The Academy will be a place where?

Those who can't do certain normal functions can live in hope, surrounded by a loving atmosphere, with healthy food and a clean environment. The whole person: mind, body, soul and personality will be cared for with love and desire to understand the needs of each Artist.

Our GOAL:

Is not to compete with other education institutions in the academics but to embrace the disabled Artists with HOW TO KNOWLEDGE of their Art so that they can compete in the Arts. THE BEST TRAINING IS TO LEARN FROM THOSE WHO HAVE ACHIEVED SUCCESS IN THEIR ART. This must be done with disabilities taken into consideration from Savant to Folk Artists and those in between. If an individual has a disability they would be welcomed warmly. In the spirit that Mother Teresa of Calcutta greeted her beloved ones she cared for with reverence of the Christ within them. Such loving is our quest!

A REQUEST TO ALL READERS:

If you would like to support the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists please send donations made out to "Visionary Guild Grant Fund" Treasurer, Ann Denbo at 2304 Brookside Drive, Decatur, AL 35601.

Contact Carole Esk'ridge about her efforts and find out how you can be involved at caroleeskridge3@gmail.com or singskt@knology.net

A little bit about Carole Esk'ridge:

Ms. Eskridge is the visionary of the formation of the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists. She founded the Visionary Guild for Mentally Ill Artists in 1991. She received a US Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.

Ms. Esk'ridge's artwork is in the Birmingham Museum of Art collection. She has exhibited three times in jury art shows at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Her work can be found in the archives of the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Ms. Esk'ridge is presently working on a large painting and a historic Pro-life novel.

Esk'ridge is the Mother of two adult daughters and will soon be the grandmother of two. She is 62 years old. She is a Catholic.

Carole Esk'ridge is donating 100% of the sale of her paintings to The Academy of International Enabled Artists. To view Carole's artwork please visit: www.caroleeskridge.com

For more info about The Academy of Internationally Enables Artists or Carole Esk'ridges artwork please contact her at: (256) 429–8697 or caroleeskridge3@gmail.com

Read the Huntsville Times Article about The Academy of Internationally Enables Artists at: http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/125335178062050.xml&coll=1

TEA for Academy of International Enabled Artists

The ARTS of HUNTSVILLE 2009

TEA in honor of Magnificent Individuals in the Arts To celebrate the forming of the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists" It is Using Talent & Faith to Overcome disABILITY" The Academy is dedicated to the use of Painting, Singing, Writing, Acting, Dancing... to help career minded Artists who are disAbled.

A TEA is being served at St. Mary's Church of the Visitation Parish Center at 220 Lincoln St. NE, Huntsville, AL from 1:30 till 3:00 pm, on August 5, 2009, a Wednesday.

We are honoring five outstanding women in the Arts: Johnnette Benkovic who is the Hostess of two international TV shows "Living His Life Abundantly " and "Women of Grace.". Miriam Fowler is Curator of Education at the Birmingham Museum of Art, Emerita. A young active Poet is Carey Link. Helen J. Vaughn is an Artist of remarkable accomplishments and has been elected as Chairperson of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. Amy Welborn is an Author.

If you plan to come please RSVP by July 21, 2009 please contact the hostess Carole Esk'ridge at caroleeskridge3@gmail.com. She suggest Business Attire. Donations for the TEA are APPRECIATED!!!

Our GOAL is not to compete with other educational institutions in the academics but to embrace the disabled Artists with HOW TO KNOWLEDGE of their Art so that they can compete in the Arts. THE BEST TRAINING IS TO LEARN FROM THOSE WHO HAVE ACHIEVED SUCCESS IN THEIR ART.

For more information please contact Carole Esk'ridge at caroleeskridge3@gmail.com

Calling all artists who wish to give the Lord praise for their talent and artwork.

The Ascribing Artists Blog is a creative ministry bringing together visual artists who wish to "Ascribe to the Lord the Glory due His name." Ascribing Artists recognize that anything they do pales in comparison to the Glory of the Lord. Artist are welcome to share their artwork, techniques, stories, praises, encouragements and advice.

The Ascribing Artists ministry is inspired by Psalm 29:1,2 we are to be "A Reflection of His Glory" in all that we do.

1 ASCRIBE TO the Lord, O sons of the mighty, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 2 Give to the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness or in holy array. Psalm 29: 1,2

As a part of this creative ministry, Ascribing Artists will be an avenue to bring together other artists with this same belief and offer a creative outlet for artists who "Ascribe to the LORD."

Submit bio, articles and info to AscribingArtists@gmail.com. Currently, we are looking for Featured Artists to showcase. If you are interested, please e-mail 3 or 4 low resolution images, artist statement or bio to include website or contact info. All info included on the Ascribing Artists blog will be reviewed to keep the spirit of the ministry.

Sponsored by Paul LaBathe (Empty Tomb Graphics) and Gina Hurst (Art Consultant)

Artist Donates Sales From Artwork to Help Friend

"Handel's Heart" by Mary Margaret Holmes, copyright

Mary Margaret Holmes wanted to share this with the Ascribing Artist Blog:

In July 2008 I was in wal-mart in Winona, Ms and I looked up to see a familiar face. It was Troy Wiltshire. He was wearing his famous smile and memories of He and I back in high school came flooding back. Troy was 2 years ahead of me and he might as well have been my brother. We quickly became fast friends and hung out until he graduated and went on to become a success in college. I hadn't seen Troy in a while but our friendship has never wavered. After college Troy married a wonderful girl, Amanda, and they have the most beautiful one year old daughter, Kaylyn Rose. Troy got to meet my husband and one year old son that day in wal-mart and we hope to schedule a play date with our kids when Troy is better. You see, 2 weeks after our visit, Troy's life was rocked by shocking news. He had Acute Myeloid Leukemia....and it was bad. As a pharmacist, I knew the consequences he faced and I fell to my knees and asked God to spare Troy.

We almost lost him the 1st month. But if you know Troy you know he is the definition of a fighter. Troy put his faith and trust in his God and we all waited patiently for good news. Then we got some. Troy desperatetly needed a bone marrow transplant to live and within no time God provided a perfect match for Troy. He and his family moved to Rochester, Minnesota for the operation in December 2008. So far the transplant was successful but he and his family are still in Minnesota where he can be under the care of some amazing doctors.

You see God has a plan for Troy and even though I wouldn't wish this disease on anyone, Troy has used it as a example to show others the mercy and love of our Lord. God has a perfect plan for all our lives if we are open to letting him work through us.....and that's were I come in. I had been praying diligently for Troy for some time when I felt God telling me I needed to do something else to help him. I was blessed with the talent of painting from a young age and had recently started my own website to try and sell my paintings for suplimental income so that my husband could stay home and keep my son while I was at work. God told me that he would provide for me and that I should take what God has given me and use it to help Troy. So I dedicated 100% of the profits from my website to Troy to help with medical expenses, cost of living, childcare, whatever.

Now I have 3 things to ask of you.
#1: PRAY! Pray that God comepletely heals Troy so that he can go about doing His work and being and example of faith and hope.

#2: Pray for my website www.cedarhouseart.com that God will bless it and raise lots of money on Troy's behalf.

#3: Pray to God and if you feel led, consider purchasing a painting or a peice of jewelry. Not only will you be donating to a worthy cause but you get a one of a kind original artwork to show for your efforts.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and may God bless your life with health and happiness. Go to www.cedarhouseart.com to see what's available and check out www.caringbridge.com to find updates on Troy's condition.

Your Sister in Christ,
Mary Margaret Holmes

Blog: www.cedarhouseart.blogspot.com
E-mail: mmholmespharmd@yahoo.com

Call for "Ascribing Artists"

WHO: Calling all artists who wish to give the Lord praise for their talent and artwork.

WHAT: Empty Tomb Graphics would like to add you to the ASCRIBING ARTIST network. It is a collection of artists who desire to "Ascribe to the Lord the Glory due His name". Ascribing Artists recognize that anything they do pales in comparison to the Glory of the Lord. They give credit for their talent and artwork to the only ONE worthy of praise.

Inspired by Psalm 29, we are to be "A Reflection of His Glory" in all that we do.

1 ASCRIBE TO the Lord, O sons of the mighty, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 2 Give to the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness or in holy array.

WHY: As a part of this creative ministry, Ascribing Artists will be an avenue to bring together other artists with this same belief and offer art created by these artists as a way to "Ascribe to the LORD." Ascribing Artists will also have the opportunity to be an avenue to teach design and illustration classes to youth as a way to reclaim a medium that has all but lost its focus to"Ascibe to the LORD."

WHERE: To learn more about this opportunity please visit Empty Tomb Graphics at www.EmptyTombGraphics.com or contact Paul LaBathe at 256.874.2471 or ascribing@emptytombgraphics.com.

SUBMIT to ascribing@emptytombgraphics.com:

1) Brief description of your work, media, style, approach, etc.
2) A couple samples of your work, say no larger than 600 pixels vertically or horizontally
3) Contact information and/or link to your website