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2008

Light of the World  Images of light permeate the verses of scripture, the prayers of the church, and the church’s hymnody. Sometimes that light is literal, as in God’s command in Genesis 1, “Let there be light!” But that light is often figurative, a symbol for goodness, for truth, for God. For instance, the Advent Collect, echoing Paul’s words in Romans 13:12, admonishes us to “cast away the works of darkness and put upon us the armor of light.”

Curator: Margaret Adams Parker

Portraits of the Self  From the introspective nature of self-conception to the outward-looking nature of creating visual art, from revealing to concealing identity, self-portraiture is characterized by persistent contradiction. Honesty and deceit each play their part in facing the Self with its deep hidden truths, and in sharing these personal discoveries with others.

Curator: David C. Hancock

2007

Feasts for the Eyes  The feasts of the church year create a rhythm of rituals mirroring our common journey. That rhythm is a persuasive aspect of the choreography they have provided for generations. It is no surprise that the artists in this exhibition have "made visible" the spiritual component of the Feast experiences.

Curator: Judith McManis

Image and Likeness  For this exhibition, artists were invited to observe Christ’s presence in the world in which we find ourselves. Of the work represented here, Curator Carole Baker says the artists "reveal the varied and apparently random ways Jesus makes himself present in our lives. Some reflect mountaintop experiences while some reflect the truth witnessed on the cross. But they share the understated affirmation that God continues to use artists to see and show the mysterious ways Jesus participates in all aspects of our lives."

Curator: Carole Baker

2006

Unto Us a Child is Born ponders this mystery through the creative gift of art. Looking at these works, taking them in with a contemplative eye and heart, one begins to cross the boundary between this world and the world of spirit.  It is from this world of spirit and devotion that these works of art originate. ...Yet all reflect the creative imagination of souls seeking and embracing the mystery of God coming to dwell in our midst, Emmanuel!

Curator: The Rev. Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera

Visio Divina: Visual Art and Spiritual Formation "The Holy Spirit speaks many languages, among them the language of art in all its forms." With these words, Frank Tracy Griswold, 26th Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church opens our understanding of what the role of art in a life of faith might be, and what it might become. This exhibition showcases seven Episcopal communities across the United States where the visual arts nurture people's spiritual lives.

Curator: Mel Ahlborn

Visual Preludes 2006 ECVA, in partnership with the Office of General Convention of the Episcopal Church, has created the Visual Preludes for General Convention 2006 in Columbus, Ohio. The Visual Preludes will be used to create an atmosphere for worship appropriate to the theme of each day's service using images of original art as projected videos. Gathered here for this online exhibition are the still images selected for the Visual Preludes.

Curators: Brie Dodson (painter),
Jan Neal (digital artist),
Anne Wetzel (photographer)

2005

Venite Adoremus Join us in a celebration of the church year from Advent through Christmastide to Epiphany. "The hymns we sing during these seasons are so much a part of our experience of the church year as their words and music have settled into our bones through years of singing in anticipation and joyful celebration and deeper awareness which comes through this time of the year." Artists were asked to respond to these hymns and provide works of art to guide us into worship of our Lord during this wondrous time of the year. Venite Adoremus—O come let us adore him.

Curators: Griffin and Frank Logue (photographers)

Illustrating the Hours  For this exhibition, we find artists exploring the Daily Office – prayers offered for Morning, Noonday, Evening, and Compline. Curator Jan Neal explains, "The Daily Office teaches us that every day is a day for common supplication. The need may be revealed more clearly at times of grief, but during all times the need to return time to God is equally great." Here we find works of art representing the Hours and what these appointed times of prayer mean to the artists. There is also a background into the history of the Daily Office.

Curator: Jan Neal (photographer)

Spirit's Fire Two thousand years ago, as the apostles gathered in Jerusalem, the Spirit descended upon them "like a rushing mighty wind," flickering in dancing flames upon their heads. It left them with the gift of tongues, and filled them with evangelical fire. Curator Brie Dodson has chosen work "in hopes of evoking the Spirit's presence in our world. No two of us define or experience that presence in the same way. Perhaps we each meet the unknowns of the holy in the native language of our own heart."

Curator: Brie Dodson (painter)

Behold All Things New  An exhibition featuring work that was influenced by today's political, social, or economic issues. Curator The Rev. Gurdon Brewster invites us to "Look at these images: hope and longing, grief and joy, prayer and gratitude, outrage and compassion ...and ask questions for yourself about what visual art in our time might contribute to the world and to those on a faith journey who seek to deepen their trust in reconciliation and hope as well as to enliven their compassionate engagement in the world."

Curator: The Rev. Gurdon Brewster (sculptor)

2004

Art and Faith: A Spiritual Journey  A new exhibition that allows the artist to express how art and faith are intertwined in their lives by including personal (and sometimes intimate) stories along with their art. As one observer described it, "a feast for the eyes and the heart". This exhibition shows the work of 24 artists, and is also available in streaming video.

Curator: Krystyna Sanderson (photographer)

Inside-Outside: Work from ECVA Chapters  Great art and faith are the products of community. This exhibition highlights the work of ECVA Chapters. Chapters are associations of visual artists within the ECVA community who meet in fellowship to discuss art in the Episcopal Church and in the world, and to share in their creative efforts.

Curators: Thomas Faulkner (sculptor) and
Bradford Johnson (painter)

Walking the Way of the Cross The Way of the Cross was developed as a devotion by pilgrims to Jerusalem whereby prayers were offered at “stations” or sites associated with Jesus’ Passion and Death. This exhibition features a new sculptural interpretation of The Way of the Cross by sculptor:

Thomas Faulkner

2003

Surprised by Joy Fourteen artists share their interpretations of the Advent theme, Surprised by Joy. The Rev. Cameron Miller writes in the exhibit's introduction, ". . . our effort is to create an atmosphere in which people feel safe to open themselves to the unexpected and then provide a format and content that evokes the holiness within."

Curator: Mel Ahlborn (manuscript illuminator)

Lift Up Your Hearts!  The works in this exhibition are just such a response – a lifting up of hearts to the Lord. They are chosen because they each express one of the charismas of the Episcopal Church – the particular gifts of the Church that are to be given away.

Curator: Susan Dixon (art historian)

Walking the Way of the Cross  One Lenten devotion known as The Way of the Cross, has its roots in pilgrim visits to Jerusalem. This exhibition is a presentation of the works of selected Episcopal artists in their attempt to render – in a variety of media – their interpretations of The Way of the Cross. This art presents a wide range of visual images employed representing quite different artistic styles and theologies.

Curator: Thomas Faulkner (sculptor)

2002

A New Light: The Collects of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany  The 16 collects that make up these weeks of the liturgical calendar are powerful entreaties to a merciful God for such things as grace, illumination, restoration, peace, love, light and strength in darkened world.

Curator: Bradford Johnson (painter)

Art/Community/Story  The intent of any work of art is to inspire, to move us, to touch us, to portray a message. This is especially true when art is used in a church. But at the fifteen church communities presented in this exhibition, it is not so much who the artist is or whether the artist is famous that makes the work important – it is because the work provides a special link to an event or a person associated with the church or community.

Curators: Susan Dixon (art historian) and
Dan Hardison (photographer)

Illuminating the Word  Scribes have worked in service to the Word since the dawn of Christianity. In this exhibition you will see each artist weaving sacred words into their art – thirteen modern scribes are exhibiting their visible response to Biblical or liturgical text.

Curator: Mel Ahlborn (manuscript illuminator)

Since September 11th ... This exhibition presents artistic responses to the events of September 11th, 2001. It is hoped that these images will touch the lives of viewers, bringing about a sense of healing, understanding and recognition. It is also hoped that others will be challenged and encouraged to find new ways to apply their faith in Christ Jesus towards reconciliation among peoples of different beliefs and cultures, and towards a more peaceful and united world.

Curators: Krystyna Sanderson (photographer) and
Thomas Faulkner (sculptor)

2001

Out of Darkness Into Light  The 20 artists represented in this show demonstrate a wide diversity in artistic vision and in the perception of light and dark as physical and spiritual realities. Light shining in the darkness is a major theme in the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. Artists working specifically with light form an extraordinary partnership with God, the creator of light.

Curator: Krystyna Sanderson (photographer)

Icons and Prayers  The practice of icon writing is upheld by the theological dogma that God created us in His image and saw fit to redeem the fallen world by taking on material nature in the Incarnation. Icons echo that mystery and seek to make a visible connection with the invisible heavenly realm – after which we in turn seek to recognize God's image and likeness in this created world. This exhibition features 19 artists, some traditional iconographers and others non-traditional.

Curator: Susan von Medicus (iconographer)

Banners and Beyond  Fiber art draws from both the fine art and craft traditions. As a medium, it is accessible to a wider spectrum of artists than many of the arts associated with the Church. This show represents the work of professional artists as well as amateurs – those who truly love what they do.

Curator: Eliza Linley (artist)

In the Cross of Christ  The Cross as a central image within the Christian tradition has evolved into myriad forms. Contemporary artists have taken this original simple structure and produced an infinite variety of responses. What has emerged in recent years is a feast for the eyes. We welcome you to this banquet.

Curator: The Rev. Gurdon Brewster (sculptor)

2000

Substance of Things Hoped For  This exhibition gathers the work of artists from within the Episcopal Church who are working in a wide variety of media and different styles: installations that are part of the liturgical space, icons which are used for devotion, and many pieces that reflect a more personal expression in response to the artist's life in Christ.

Curator: Sandra Bowden (artist)