Juried Arts Exhbition
Annual Event Builds Bridges into the Community

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Grace Centre’s annual Juried Fine Art Exhibition, which will be on display starting October 11, is much more about building bridges than adorning walls.

Although the exhibit hangs art from some of the best artists in the western North Carolina region, Programming Director Craig Lotz says the event provides opportunities to develop relationships in the community.

By its very nature, art connects. At the core of Grace’s philosophy is that all beauty, truth and grace are found in – and belong to – God. When an artist, regardless of belief, seeks to creatively express those universal elements, to a greater or lesser extent, with or without knowledge, he or she reflects the Creator.

The art is a canvas to a greater – and often shared – perspective. Many of the artists who submit work to Grace Centre’s exhibition do not initially know the building is shared by Grace Community Church. Once they are told there is no agenda – except a shared celebration of the power of art – most of them don’t care.

“Of all the events we do in the arts ministry,” Craig says, “this is the one that builds the most relationships into the community. It gives us the chance to build relationships with so many artists – many of whom probably would never step foot inside of the church. We can open up dialogue through and around our art and the shared respect we have for what art can express.”

Craig expects this year’s event – the eighth annual exhibit – to have significantly more entries than previous shows. Partly, he says word is getting out among artists in the community and the exhibition is gaining respect.

Awards will be presented for Best of Show and for other winners. Everyone is welcome, and each one who attends has the abilty to build another bridge and see some great art at the same tme.