Because of coronavirus, we had to come up with a “virtual” way to raise funds for the non-profit arts organization that we lead. We called it “Food & Art” and it has been stirring up some cool connections here in the Charlotte Metro area.

The values of our arts community are “Generosity, Wonder, and Craft” as our mission is to “curate conversation and foster craft to call forth a fully human community”. We as believers can get behind this idea because we know that the fullest, and most human human being was Jesus of Nazareth. One of my favorite quotes is from Art historian Hans Rookmaaker who said that “Jesus did not come to make us Christian, he came to make us fully human.” Engaging with art and creativity invites those around us on paths to a true humanity—that of knowing Christ.

This also happens at the table and the Table (Communion)—if you are catching my meaning. The small local, personal table of our everyday kitchens and dining rooms should reflect in some way the full Table of the Communion Table and the coming Feast Table of the Consummation—when we will be with Jesus face to face.

This is why we unite Food & Art. They are both things we love in our community, they are both artistic, and they both create pathways to the source of all creativity and provision, the humble carpenter of Nazareth.

Prayers were answered. We were able to raise over $5000 to stay in the studio space that we work in downtown Rock Hill as well as effectively operate the gallery we manage there. You can also pray that God allows us to be a part of somebody’s next step toward Him—this is a consistent prayer we pray for our events. We have believers in our midst and people who are hostile to our creeds, who are a part of this community, and yet they are still our friends and neighbors.

Joy Harjo, the current Poet Laureate of the USA (first Native American woman btw) wrote a wonderful poem titled “Perhaps the World Ends Here” that is inspiration for our whole fundraising event. We had one of our artists friends read that poem each night of our event. Here’s a sample:

” …At this table we sing with joy, with sorrow. We pray of suffering and remorse. We give thanks. Perhaps the world will end at the kitchen table, while we are laughing and crying, eating of the last sweet bite.”

Read more about how our event went and find links to “goodies” —videos & printables by clicking on the image at right.