More than 25 years ago, my parents bought a modest mobile home in order to live near their grandkids. The previous owners left behind some furnishings, including two orange chairs. I call them “orange” because I’m not a painter so I speak in very basic terms. I’m sure a painter would need to do a lot more browning to try to capture the worn color that doesn’t seem to match anything created commercially. And they SQUEAK. No amount of WD-40 has any effect on the irritating sounds of protest that come from under these chairs. But it’s OK - as long as you don’t move! Every morning, I am privileged to sit in the one that faces the big glass doors that give me a window into the back yard. I can see the bird bath and its visitors, the passion vine with ripening fruit and the butterflies that love to lay their eggs on it. I also have a good view of the lamppost that doesn’t give light because it has a thriving bee hive! Our lamppost reminds me of the Narnia story that has meant so much to so many of us over the years.
This morning I also have a view of the remains of our art show events. The tables are still in place and most of the art work is still there, with nametags of so many I am privileged to call my friends, my community - my family. Although some of the faithful wanted to start cleaning it up last night - we were ALL exhausted, and I saw no reason to push any further. I’m glad for that decision, because now I can view it from a place of rest - from the orange chair! And instead of making lists of what has to be done to prepare for the events, I can just sit back and take it in. That’s what you’re supposed to do, right? Sit and look and think about the artwork and what went into the making of it. Isn’t it supposed to be as much about the process as the outcome? I would like to read a story about each one - was it done in a class, as an assignment? Or maybe created for someone as a gift? I displayed some art - other people’s art - because it was gifted to ME, and I wanted to share who had given it to me.
For example, There is a piece of art painted by Kaci that depicts kintsugi. I was inspired and learned about that process by reading Art and Faith (Makoto Fujimura). Providentially, we have long based our work here on “GOLD” (Growth Opportunities for Learning and Development) - and then I learned that GOLD is used as part of the process of repairing precious things that have been broken. How amazingly appropriate! I know for a fact that at least some of the artwork on display has been created by lives that have been broken, and that art was part of the healing process.
When “Talents Unleashed” became a place in Kendall, it became known for “performing arts.” Although we had a few art classes, our teaching and sharing efforts were mostly focused on music and movement, and then some efforts to preserve our experiences through photography and videography. With the move to “TU Casa” in Homestead, and a number of other life events, our performing efforts have become much quieter, at least for a season. And what happened during that quiet time? More artists appeared - and some who have been around, but in the shadows, are stepping out and revealing their gifts and talents. Would we have seen them without the pause in our regular routine? I doubt it. We’re like kids - having so much fun with our creative play - and Dad wants to show us something - wants to get us to stop and look at something cool. But first we have to STOP and listen, and look and learn!
The idea at TU Casa is to build a creative community where we can STOP and listen, and look and learn. Listen to each other. Spend time face to face. Look at all God has created and put for us to appreciate. Learn from others how to grow and develop the creativity that our Creator has put in us as a reflection of His essence. Create, love, share, grow.
I had to shift positions and the squeak is ignored by my sweet dog, Daisy. People know her as the hyper rescue who can’t stop barking with excitement every time someone walks in - even if they just left the room for a few moments. But now she is at peace - in the other orange chair. She is oblivious to the fact that there is an outline of a dead body on the floor under the art displays.
I just love that. You can’t see chalk on a white floor (I’m sorry, Lord, but white floors? How is that a blessing?) I digress. So the body outline is done with blue painter’s tape and was initially covered with the “tiger rug” that two young men provided for the music and recording room. (Don’t worry, guys, it’ll be back in place before you know it. If you don’t read this, you’ll never know…) I love that Katherine took it upon herself to write the entire event - more than 95 pages - so that we could each receive a role and improvise our way through the “whodunnit” at the art gallery! I love that after it was “solved” that so many people just stayed and talked and laughed, putting away the perishable foods and enjoying each other’s company - and without depending on their phones for distraction.
I’m sorry, but I HAVE to tell you about the food! I totally broke my special diet in order to experience everything. A still life scene with real food, a painter’s palette with colorful dips, a vase of colorful cupcake flowers and an edible depiction of van Gogh’s “Starry Night” - to name just a few! But I must also mention the cookie palettes and the pretzel paint brushes! Culinary arts - almost too beautiful to eat - but eat, we did, and it was a bountiful and delicious feast!
So we had an art show. What about music? Oh, we had that, too! Our own beloved Emily made the trek with her beautiful bouncing baby, Thomas, and reminded us how much we love to hear her sing. We have missed her voice - singing and laughing - and it was every bit like a holiday when you finally get the family back together. It was over too quickly, as it often feels when distant family comes to visit so of course plans were made to get together again - soon!
The rain is about to drop again, and it looks so lush and tropical out there. Time for another cup of coffee. It’s soon going to be time to get out the calendar and start planning for “what’s next.” But I’m content to sit for a little longer, reflecting on the time together, and asking the Lord for more. More time together, more to join us in conversation, more to find an outlet for developing their creative gifts. More family time.
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