Faces
Wall of inspiration warms atmosphere I
nspiration can come from almost anywhere, and for Kathy Ryan, it came from a blank wall. The wall in question is toward the back of the sanctu-
ary at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Auburn, Calif., which seemed like an ideal spot to highlight local art as both a means of community outreach and for congregants to share their talents. Ryan, who minored in teaching art in college, thought
showcasing paintings and photographs could enhance weekly worship. After convincing Bethlehem’s council, she solicited work, and about nine people participated. The guidelines are simple: All works need to be by a
member and must be appropriate to a church setting, although they can have a secular theme. All media, includ- ing photography, is encouraged. “We started five years ago, and it was kind of sparse the
first time,” Ryan recalled. “We put them up and waited for the reaction. People liked it, and after about two years it really took off.” Ryan came up with a new theme every two months. One
theme that helped the exhibitions gain popularity was “My personal story,” which allowed for a strong sense of owner- ship for the show. And one of the most popular themes so far was the recent “Starry Starry Night,” which accompa- nied the Christmas season. For each show, Ryan has written a story for the local
paper, which has attracted the attention of community members. A few, Ryan said, have even joined Bethlehem after coming to see the art. One interested artist is the congregation’s interim pastor,
Lynn Bruer, whose work is in a recent exhibition, “Some- thing Old, Something New.” “The gallery’s contribution to the sanctuary becomes
readily apparent on the Sunday between installations,” Bruer said. “When the wall is bare, it is forlorn. When the
100 + birthdays
Kathy Ryan turned a blank wall at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Auburn, Calif., into a chance for conversation.
new display goes up, the wall gives an energy, a joy, a chance to create conversation, an occasion to see the world from a new perspective.” Ryan opted to hand over the curating duties this year and
focus on other projects, though she plans to keep making art and to offer work for the show. Bethlehem has added to its artistic elements by creating
interpretations of the Stations of the Cross, which hang dur- ing Lent, as well as faux stained-glass panels that are hung in large plate glass windows during the Christmas season. “The exhibits can enhance our spiritual practice simply
by being there,” Ryan said. “They are always visible and not hidden in some alcove. They provide a nice, friendly, warm atmosphere.”
108: Alice Hanson, Gloria Dei, Northbrook, Ill. 105: Marguerite Holt, Bethany, Central Bridge, N.Y. 103: Agnes Boraas, Lac qui Parle, Daw- son, Minn.; Agnes Ehrhardt, Atonement, Barrington, Ill.; Myrtle Hen-
derson, St. John, Jamestown, N.D. 102: Catherine Scott, Tonseth, Erhard, Minn. 101: Dorothy Miller, Immanuel, Absarokee, Mont.; Caro-
line Trostel, Christ, Whiting, N.J. 100: Josephine Blouch, St. James, Lebanon, Pa.; Marion Bollman, St. Paul, Dixon, Ill.; Sofie Davis, First, McGregor, Iowa; Katherine Fritsche, Peace,
Author bio: Favre is an assistant professor at Pierce College in Los Angeles and a freelance theater critic.
By Jeff Favre
South Haven, Mich.; Gertrude Johannessen, Our Savior, Aurora, Ill.; Mary Lou McKinney, St. Mark, Wheeling,
W.Va.; Willibald Newburg, English, La Crosse, Wis.; Helen Sharp, Peace, South Haven, Mich.; Helen VanScoyoc, Zion, Johnstown, Pa.; Jeanette Wanstrom, Augustana, Fairfax, Minn.
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March 2015 43
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