Exhibit Closing: a photo diary [recital and juried art reception]

Art Show on Main Closing
part 1: juried art show and reception
[thanks to Hope Spicer for the beautiful photos!]

the description:  an event to show the artwork of aspiring and emerging artists who have been selected from submissions entered to the panel of featured visual artists all in the ambiance of live classical music, savory hors d'oeuvres and beverages

the exhibit

the people

An Evening of English & American Song
Kimberly LaGraff - mezzo-soprano
 Scott LaGraff - baritone
Andy Hudson - pianist

I do not know why, but it is unquestionable that God smiled on us again this year.  His favor is demonstrated through an evening of enjoying rest and beauty in community.  We were graced with so many of the Binghamton arts and opera community.  We are grateful for the hours of effort and travel the LaGraffs and Mr. Hudson invested to share their music with us.  As beautiful and powerful as their voices were in the wide open space of our Main Street atrium, one of my favorite parts was the expectant silence between songs.  How often do we sit together in silence?


What a beautiful sound.  

(and, p.s., Scott and Kim, next time you come I'll make sure you get the encore.  Who knew classical recitals include an encore?!?  I guess my first clue could have been the standing ovation...)

Exhibit Opening: a photo diary [the coffeehouse]

Art Show on Main Opening

part 3: the coffeehouse

description: an event to open the art exhibit of our featured visual artists, to hear original music, author readings, and spoken word performances from featured and aspiring artists all in the ambiance of sweet, sugary desserts and savory caffeine-laden concoctions

the featured visual artists:

Erin L. McMahon

Danielle Smith

Amanda Odenwelder

Julia Dean

.....

the program: set one

Kelley White & Jeremy Kinney - 
Departing

Nancy Rounds & Andrea Shields - 
The Church in Chains is Free

Chuck Wasielewski - 

Artwork

Jason Harrod & Brian Moss 

the program: set two

Dan Keohane - 
Solomon's Grave

Julia Dean's art talk

Erin McMahon's art talk 

(more) Brian Moss & Jason Harrod

the program: set three


Laura Howell & Lori Haun - 
You Are There, Walking By Faith

Kevin Lucia - 

Coach's Midnight Diner

Tamara changing the schedule


Wayne Truesdale - 
Thanksgiving

Theresa Krause - 
Not Our Town

Lou Schlagter - 
It's the Only Way

(still more) Jason Harrod & Brian Moss

After this event, I tried to explain it to a friend who was unable to attend.  It was hard to explain, each year I find myself only being able to say that God smiles on us.  Yes, we make silly mistakes, and, yes, we have a lot to learn.  Yes, we work hard and take scary risks. No, we are not ending poverty and, no, we are not making a profit or even much that could be measured in hard data.  We're just spending time together cultivating beauty and community. But each year, there seems to be an added dynamic that clearly does not come from us - it is an energy and a restfulness and a beauty that I believe is from the Holy Spirit of the one true God who loves us deeply and graces us with His kindness.  We are grateful.

*Thank you to Hope Spicer and Andy Shipman for the beautiful photos!