From late August thru mid-October we are hosting a beautiful show in the sanctuary. “Mystery, Darkness, and Light” is a collaboration between Jeanne Fehskens, Julie Riley, and Elisha Frontz, three Dayton-area artists. The show features multi-media pieces from all three artists.

Creating expressionist paintings of crosses was a conscious choice that resonated deeply with Julie Riley‘s artistic vision. The cross, a symbol of profound significance across cultures and faiths, became her canvas for exploring a unique blend of spirituality, emotion, and artistic technique. Ultimately, Julie’s decision to paint expressionist crosses was a convergence of artistic technique, spiritual reflection, and the desire to forge a meaningful connection with those who engage with her work. It allowed her to harmonize the visual and the emotional, resulting in a series of paintings that hold both aesthetic allure and a deeper resonance.

Elisha Frontz writes of her work:

As an artist, I am drawn to the complexity and beauty of systems and patterns found in both the natural world and in mathematics. In my work, I explore these themes through a combination of traditional art materials and the many mediums of fiber art, using a variety of techniques to create intricate and detailed pieces that reflect the interconnectedness of all things. My art is inspired by the inherent order and balance found in the universe, and I seek to capture this sense of harmony in my compositions. I believe that by delving into the underlying systems and patterns that govern the world around us, we can better understand and connect with our place in the cosmos.

Jeanne Fehskens writes:

This series of small works began as a challenge from a group of artists at the Frontstreet Artist community in Dayton, called the Darren Haper Invitational. The object was to create multiple works, all the same size that could be hung in a 3’x3’ area. This series was a launchpad for much of the work I have been making in the last year and a half. Many of these small 8”x8” square pieces were created around the time that the war in Ukraine broke out. Some of my ancestors came from the area of the Carpathian mountains, although I don’t know exactly where. The conflict deeply troubled me. I found some antique prayer books that belonged to members of my family. I photocopied some of the prayers and collaged them into the works. Even though I didn’t know the translations of the prayers, it made me feel connected to those suffering in Ukraine. Each of these canvases became a prayer for peace.