One People, Many Paths

Once again I am participating in One People, Many Paths; The Sacred Art of Altars. This exhibition and auction features over 50 artists working in a wide diversity of media. Each artist is supplied with a handcrafted wooden box to transform into an “altar” focused on whatever matters to them – personally, artistically and/or spiritually.  The altars are auctioned off to benefit Celebration Circle, a local spiritual community.

This is one of my favorite exhibitions, because I enjoy taking the time to think about what matters to me and I enjoy seeing the work of the other participating artists.  The altars will be on exhibit and available for silent auction bids throughout September during normal business hours.  The closing reception will take place on Thursday, September 29 from 6-7:30 pm. It will be a fun evening, featuring live music, light hors d’oeuvres, final bidding and the official closing of the month-long silent auction. The reception will be followed by a special screening of Joe vs. The Volcano (1990), a delightful film with a funny, insightful look at purposeful living with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. This is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with the artists and enjoy the show. Tickets for the closing reception are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. There is no charge to view the exhibit during the theater's normal business hours. For more information, contact Celebration Circle.

View photos of the exhibit on flickr.

If you are in San Antonio in September, I hope you can make it to see the show!

What:  One People, Many Paths; The Sacred Art of Altars

When: September 1, 2011 through September 29, 2011

Where: Bijou Theatre in Wonderland of the Americas Mall, San Antonio, TX

 

Earth Wisdom

One People Many Paths: The Sacred Art of Altars

This year is the sixth year for the exhibit and silent auction of altars created by artists in South Texas. I have participated 4 of those six years. The event benefits The Celebration Circle, a local spiritual community. Each participating artist is given an unfinished wooden box to use as the basis for their altar.



This year, 55 artists transformed these wooden boxes using a variety of styles and media, including metal, fiber, painting, sculpture, and found objects. Below are photos of my altar (Photos by GaryO Smith —capturing now for now ).

The altars can be viewed and bid on at the Bijou Theatre at Crossroads Mall, September 1 – September 30, 2009 during the theater’s normal business hours. The auction concludes with a reception with live music, delicious food and the screening of the movie Happy Go Lucky. It is definitely worth a visit, even if you can't make the closing reception.

Many thanks to Gary O Smith, for his beautiful photography. He has captured the essence of these works in his photos, which can be viewed at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ogaryo/collections/72157621922984779/

The Sacred Art of Altars

The Celebration Circle, a local inter-faith community, holds an annual auction of altars created by local artists. The artist is given a plain wooden box and has two months to transform it into an altar representing that which he/she holds sacred. Keep in mind that the group is very diverse and represents people from a variety of faith backgrounds and beliefs. The altars rarely fit the traditional expectations for sacred art.

I have participated in the exhibition for the past four years. I enjoy working on the altar and am always amazed by the myriad interpretations of the theme. All types of media are incorporated into the altar - painting, textiles, metal, sculpture, clay, found objects, mixed media. Below is the first altar I created for the event in 2005. I couldn't find photos of any of my other altars!

I've been working diligently to get my altar completed this week. It is finished and ready for delivery on Sunday. Below are a few photos designed to pique your interest. I'll post photos of the finished piece along with exhibition information when the exhibit opens in early September.