You are welcome to view the exhibition in any order.
BANNERS
Victor
Challenor and Paul Woodrum
INSTALLATIONS
Nancy
Chinn
DEVOTIONAL
TEXTILES
Barbara
Baumgarten
VESTMENTS
Mary
Ann Breisch
Victor
Challenor and
Paul Woodrum
1 | 2
| 3 | 4
CURATOR'S
CORNER
Eliza
Linley
1 | 2
Artists' Bios and Contact Information
Who Touched My Clothes?
Alison Vogel
fabric
18.5" x 13"
1997
displayed at home
The pressing crowd jostles and touches Jesus (Mark 5:24b-30), safe in their anonymity. Moving, bumping, watching, hoping, following. And then an individual of great need touches just the fringe of his clothing. Immediately, a powerful connection springs up, the sort of connection we all long for, the sort that defies sin (the opposite of connectedness) and is a conduit for healing and grace. Jostling along with Jesus does not make this connection, but passionate desire can.
Of course Jesus notices. Realizing she cannot remain hidden, the woman steps forward and declares that she has touched him and why, and tells how she has been healed. Once this powerful connection has been made, hiddenness is no longer possible. But will he be angry? Will he punish her for taking healing rather than asking for it? What if there is nothing left for Jairus' daughter? Small wonder she trembles! Yet Jesus does not react with anger or impatience. He does not recoil from her, blame her, or make her feel ashamed. Instead, he sends her forth in peace, affirms her faith and dignity, and calls her "daughter."
This woman's story emboldens me to forsake my own anonymity and make a passionate grab.
