Press Release- Keynote Speaker
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Missions Art Night: The Intersection of Faith and Art
IRVINE, CA - (November 18, 2014) - The Concordia community will examine the intersection of faith and art in the upcoming Missions Art Night at 7 PM on Tuesday, November 18 in the CU Center. The evening’s keynote lecture, “An Investigation of the Holy Spirit” will be delivered by Pamela Diaz Martinez, a professional artist and Irvine resident. In addition to the display of her varied works, student artists have submitted pieces dealing with missions, culture, Christianity, and the world.
“Art creates an easy platform for people to discuss difficult topics such as religion, sexuality, politics and more,” said Martinez. Courtney Hentz ’16, a student organizer of the night, commented “Using the gifts God has given us to spread his life saving message is a form of mission.” Martinez, who uses her artistic ability to facilitate discussion about Christianity, demonstrates that there are many ways to evangelize. “The intersection between art and faith helps us to visit these matters close to the heart without becoming heated or contentious,” said Martinez. “Listening to others while they speak about their faith, even if we disagree, is vital for personal and societal growth.”
Hentz said that she looks forward to his event because “her (Martinez’s) work isn't the typical religious art. I am very excited to hear how she was inspired to create these pieces and why she wanted to go in such a different artistic direction.” Since only 7 years ago Martinez was an Atheist, she can give special insight into the role art can play in our discussion of Christ.
Missions Art Night is sponsored by abbey west and the Art Department as part of a wider campus-wide initiative that began this year known as Missions Month. Events for Missions Month occurred throughout November inviting student to explore missions themes through many different lenses culminating in the Missions Art Night, the final event for students before Thanksgiving Break. Fine art will not be the only form of artistic expression celebrated at the event. Two student poets will perform spoken word before Martinez begins her lecture at 7:30p.m.
“This platform, whether in an art gallery or art class, provides an opportunity to engage with thoughtful questions and responses,” said Martinez, whose works have been displayed in the Latino Art museum, BSPACE Gallery, and Latino Arts Inc. A new body of works is set for an exhibition at the Bakersfield Museum of Art in January, 2015.
All are welcome at this free event.
CONTACT:
Ann Ashmon, Director of Communications
(949) 214-3152
ann.ashmon@cui.edu
communications@cui.edu