Written by: Emma Boughman
Southern Adventist University will host a new arts and faith conference, Illuminate, from April 4-5. According to the university’s website, nearly 30 different speakers, performers and hands-on workshop leaders will be featured at the inaugural event, including accomplished authors, a Christian rapper, filmmakers and many more.
“We can’t wait to explore the intersections of art and faith together with you through presentations, performances, workshops and conversations over meals,” the website states.
In an email to the Accent, Lucas Patterson, associate director for strategic partnerships and the event coordinator, wrote that people see and respond differently when looking at it through faith-filtered lenses.
“We often compartmentalize these two areas, but upon closer inspection, they frequently overlap and inform one another,” Patterson stated.
Patterson believes the creative process of making something from nothing, and thus having a deep care and understanding for that creation, provides a glimpse into the creator’s mind and helps individuals understand how He cares for them.
“We often compartmentalize these two areas, but upon closer inspection, they frequently overlap and inform one another.”
Although Illuminate is a new concept for Southern, the connection between art and faith has been woven directly into the School of Visual Art and Design’s (SVAD) class curriculum, Patterson stated.
Patterson consulted with SVAD professor Giselle Hasel about this conference and also helped SVAD get involved with another art conference called Hutchmoot. Hasel was impressed by Hutchmoot’s elevation of Christians in the visual and literary arts. Illuminate will be a similar event. Patterson has invited many speakers and presenters, including Hasel, to speak at Illuminate about their passion for art and faith.
“Illuminate is an opportunity for more students to similarly engage with these topics—without leaving campus!” Patterson stated.
Advancement’s strategic partnership office is organizing Illuminate, since this event aims to benefit students and serve alumni and the community, according to Patterson.
“Department chairs, deans and faculty from Southern’s art, English and music programs were consulted for the initial shaping of Illuminate and continue to provide valuable insight,” he stated.
Professors from each of these areas will be presenting. The list of guest speakers includes such names as Andrew Peterson, musician of “Is He Worthy?;” Propaganda, Christian rapper and spoken word artist; Nicholas Zork, minister of worship and the arts at Church of the Advent Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church in New York City; Douglas McKelvey, author of “Every Moment Holy;” Ned Bustard, artist, graphic designer, children’s book illustrator, author and printmaker; and Karen Swallow Prior, author of “On Reading Well.”
People see and respond to art differently when looking at it through faith-based lenses.
Prior told the Accent that she will speak about the ways reading good literature well can help cultivate a better life. She is excited not only about her involvement, but also about some of the other speakers who have been chosen.
“[Illuminate] looks like it’s going to be a fantastic event with people that I’m looking forward to learning from,” Prior said.
Hasel said she has always been interested in the topic she is presenting — religion and art, especially how the Protestant Reformers used art. Although she cannot pick a favorite, some art pieces she loves come from Cranach the Elder, specifically his work “Law and Grace.” Hasel hopes to speak more about the art piece in her speech at Illuminate. Her main concerns are to do the subject justice and to represent Southern well.
“[The connection between religion and art] has been a lifelong kind of interest that I have been pursuing and teaching here at Southern,” Hasel said.
Illuminate is a ticketed event for Southern alumni and community members, and individuals can register online, Patterson said. The first 40 alumni who register will receive a discount. Patterson said all Southern students and employees can attend for free and do not need to register but will need to show their IDs and sign in upon arrival.
The conference will include Q&A sessions, immersive workshops such as printmaking, prayer writing and songwriting and also evening performances. People can view session topics, the conference schedule and scheduled speakers as well as register for the event at www.southern.edu/connect/illuminate. For more information, email illuminate@southern.edu.
Illuminate conference on Friday, April 5. (Photo from andrewpetersoon.)
