Art and Imagination in God's World

Institute for Christian Studies 41st Annual Ontario Summer Conference

August 6 - 9, 2000
Maple Grove Christian Retreat Center, Thamseford Ontario

Until the last couple of decades, most Christian parents were reluctant to put their sons into art college or their daughters on stage. Now the climate is very different and more Christians than ever before are pursuing a career in the arts. At this year's ICS Ontario Summer Conference you will have an opportunity to learn from, and with, other Christians about the arts. You will hear about their involvement in music, theatre, visual art, creative writing and so on, and find out what some Christians in the art world are up to. We will also have a chance to discuss some of the hard questions surrounding the arts and culture, with a specific focus on Monday, when we will look at faith-ful ways that Christians can interact with popular culture.

While learning-workshops and keynote lectures are an important part of the conference, you will also have the chance to be entertained and enriched by various performative art forms such as dance, music, story-telling and film. This year's worship services will explore alternate ways of creatively expressing praise to God. Through experience, discussion and participation, this conference will challenge, inspire and heighten an appreciation of the arts in all their diversity. As always, this ICS Summer Conference promises to be wonderful time of relaxation, fellowship and contemplation amidst bucolic surroundings, old friends and new ideas.

Keynote Speakers

Saturday Keynote Address
Ordinary Aesthetic Life: humour, imagination, life-style, taste
Calvin Seerveld
Senior Member Emeritus in Aesthetics, Institute for Christian Studies

In our needy world, can followers of Christ "take a break"? Should one's life-style and taste be "coloured outside the lines"? This address will raise for discussion the idea that biblical reformation of human life needs time for imaginative activity.

Cal Seerveld "graduated" from ICS in 1995, after holding the chair in philosophical aesthetics for 23 years. A prolific writer and speaker, he has penned such popular titles as Rainbows for the Fallen World, A Christian Critique of Art and Literature, and his oratorio translation of The Greatest Song. With an engaging and whimsically idiosyncratic style, Seerveld continues to live out the ongoing mandate which has been his life's work - to entrust our whole (including our aesthetic) lives to Christ.

Sunday Keynote Address
Dada, Doodles and Design: the Wonderful World of Artistic Imagination
Adrienne Dengerink Chaplin
Senior Member in Aesthetics, Institute for Christian Studies

The question "What is art?" is increasingly difficult to answer. Instead, it may be better to talk about artistic creativity and imagination. How can Christians contribute to an understanding of art which is not polarized between "high vs. low," "pure vs. applied," "serious vs. folk," and - in multicultural Canada - "western vs. non-western," artistic forms? This talk will explore the nature of artistic creativity underlying this rich variety of expressions.

Adrienne Dengerink Chaplin, Dr. Seerveld's former student turned successor, joined the ICS faculty in January of this year. Adrienne is the co-author of a new book (with Hilary Brand) entitled Art and Soul: Signposts for Christians in the Arts. This accessible jargon-free book provides resources for artists who want to better understand the relation of faith to their vocation in the postmodern world.

Monday Keynote Address
Pilgrims on Planet Hollywood: Faith, Popular Art and Culture
Bill Romanowski
Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences, Calvin College

How should Christians react to popular culture? Approaches ranging from condemnation to exploitation have all been tried and found wanting. Christians need to understand both cultural trends and market forces, overcome both elitist assumptions and spiritual denigration, and work together in community to explore a fitting role for the popular arts and media in our lives.

William D. Romanowski is author of Pop Culture Wars: Religion and the Role of Entertainment in American Life, a book that one critic described as "a stunning portrait of the interplay of religion and popular culture." In the program at a rock festival in England he was referred to as "an all-round brainy geezer and lovely with it." He took that as a compliment.

Saturday Workshops

Art as Vocation and Evocation
A moderated panel of professional visual artists will answer questions about the artistic process and discuss the relation of faith to their work. An opportunity to gain insight into the special challenges of artists who aim to balance aesthetic excellence with a responsibility before God.

How do we know music?
Bert Polman, Professor of Music, Redeemer College
The workshop will reveal how common-sense knowledge, scientific knowledge, and artistic knowledge (all building on perception, authority, and memory) contribute to our knowing music. I'll use examples from various ways of talking about, and actually experiencing music as a composer/performer and as listeners.

Reading With Pictures, Drawing With Words
Jeanette Romkema, Doctoral Candidate in Education, OISE-University of Toronto
What is "visual literacy" and how does this ability (or lack there of) affect how a book is understood and enjoyed? There are two quite distinct forms of communication in the world of children's literature: the written text (words) and the visual text (images). In this interactive workshop we will hear how illustrators use this form of communication and begin to uncover the language of picture books.

Words' Worth
John Terpstra, Cabinetmaker, Woodworker & Poet
Does the poet receive a calling? Is it possible, within an ethno-religious community, to recognize poetry, or any art, as a vocation-the reason one was put on this earth? Is poetry an individualistic, rather than a communal art? What does a poet yearn for from his/her audience/community? Is it possible to be integrated into the community without compromising one's artistic soul?

Rap Session on Aesthetic Life
Calvin Seerveld, moderated by Adrienne Dengerink Chaplin
An opportunity to ask questions of, and interact with, Calvin Seerveld on ways of living an aesthetic life - based on his Saturday morning keynote lecture. (Saturday morning workshop session only).

Speaking the Psalms
Ray Louter, Professor of Theatre Arts, Redeemer College
How can we understand the complex passions of the Psalms today? In this session we will work to "embody" the text of these "poems meant to be sung". Come with a Psalm, or portion, memorized.

But what does it mean? Western theories of narrative in the visual arts
Rebekah Smick, Adjunct Senior Member, ICS; Senior Fellow, Centre for Reformation and Renaissance Studies, University of Toronto
This session will explore the theories of expression that have dominated the Western visual arts tradition in an effort to understand the issues facing the modern Christian artist, around the problem of making art meaningful.

Movement as Storytelling in Worship
Anna Douthwright, Director of Celebration Dance Company
This Workshop explores movement as a way of proclaiming the Good News through the biblical story of Ruth. Participants will have the option of helping to tell the story in the Sunday evening worship. It is appropriate for anyone who desires to bring the art of bodily movement into prayer and worship. Wear comfortable clothing. (Please indicate on the registration form if you would like to attend this workshop. Limit: 30 participants).

Monday Panel Discussions

The perception of Christians in the media: Do we get a raw deal?
Traditional religious belief seems out of fashion. Christians often feel that a media bias marginalizes the faith-ful. We are described as being conservative, moralistic and holding outdated views which have no connection with our time. How can we resist such stereotypes and make our Christian voice heard in our post-modern society and media?

Biblical wisdom for information overload?
Through advancements in technology and accessibility, the possibilities for obtaining facts and information have never been greater. Yet, people increasingly complain of information overload and fact vertigo, feeling incapable of digesting all the input. How does faith-based wisdom offer orientation amid this overload?

Pop Culture: Resource for values?
The loss of normative values in society has opened the way for popular culture to fill the role of moral teacher. By helping people to interpret the world around them, pop culture provides a voice which should neither be ignored or accepted wholesale. How then can Christians become responsible shapers and consumers of popular culture without being mis-shaped and consumed?

The Church and the artist: Are we speaking the same language?
Although historically the church has always been a patron of the arts, local congregations and artists do not always seem to mix that well. "The church does not understand my art" seems to be a common complaint among those pursuing an artistic career. How can communities of faith be more supportive of an artist's vocation, without fettering freedom of expression? How can churches and artists form a mutually beneficial relationship?

Other Special Features

Friday's Variety Night
An evening medley of visual and performance arts.

Saturday Night Entertainment
More than live music, more than spoken word, The Great Wooden Trio is a unique combination of song, story and coffee. This eclectic collection of musicians, writers and artists invites you to experience their engaging, enlightening and entertaining ensemble as they perform ballads, myths and legends strung together with brilliant acoustic grooves and world beat rhythms.

Hot Cuppa' Story (7:00 p.m.)
From the jungles of India, to the west Texas plains. From the United Kingdom, to the Canadian woodlands. Join us on an exploration of some of the world's richest storytelling traditions. (A child-friendly performance for all ages.)

Fools Gold (9:00 p.m.)
Is this worth it? How can I get more? Do I really have to go to work today? If you have ever asked yourself any of these questions, you should enjoy the answers they've come up with. (A grown-up-friendly performance.)

Sunday Morning Worship
This service of praise and worship will employ the rich gift of the arts to lead us closer to God. ICS is pleased to have Rev. Jack Roeda, from Church of the Servant, Grand Rapids, MI, preach the Word, with music leadership by Helen Breems and friends. This service is open to visitors to the conference, who are encouraged to register and stay for the full day of activities (see schedule). Dress is informal, and prepare for a warm weather (fans and waterbottles recommended).

Sunday Evening Worship
Dancing the Story of Ruth, is a dance interpretation of the faith journey of the biblical Ruth, written by Agnes Kramer-Hamstra, and choreographed by Anna Douthwright, both from London, Ontario. Conference participants will share in the worship experience of the dance, which will lead into a time of singing and meditation in the Taizé style of worship.

Art Exhibition
This year's Art Exhibition will feature the work of several prominent Christian artists who reflect a colourful spectrum of faith traditions, with works by Nancy Hazelgrove, Gerard Pas, Laurie Zinkand-Selles, James Tughan, Maria Gabankova, Lynn McIlvride Evans. Take some time to reflect on these works which celebrate the excellence and diversity of the Christian arts community.

Singing
Helen Breems, accompanist, Choir Director for Calvin CRC & Director of Music for Pulman CRC in Chicago, and her gospel music-inspired friends will be our music leaders for the weekend.

Book Sale
This sale of publications for adults and children includes materials focused on conference themes (many suggested by workshop leaders), as well as books published by writers (academic or otherwise) associated with ICS.

Child Care
Child care is available during all major conference program times. Maple Grove has an indoor and outdoor children's play area for ages 4 and under. Please bring toys and diaper supplies for your young children.

Horseback Riding
Maple Grove is associated with a nearby stable which offers horses for corral or trail rides. The Camp ICS kids have horseback riding included in their conference fee.

Camp ICS
Camp ICS offers a full program of fun and games for kids ages 5 - 12. In a day-camp setting, activities including horseback riding (included in conference fee), crafts, games, swimming, campfires, and more are being planned. Heather Kuipers will again be coordinating the fun assisted by a full staff of leaders, freeing parents for their day-time conference activities.

Sports Facilities
Opportunities will be available throughout the weekend to take advantage of the sports facilities: swimming pool, baseball diamond, beach volleyball court, horseshoe pitch, tennis and basketball courts, soccer and baseball fields (don't forget your own ball gloves or tennis rackets).

Youth Challenges
In addition to full participation in the ICS conference, there are a number of specific events geared to the 13 -18 year old crowd. Dory Strikwerda is taking charge again this year, along with Brent Vanstaalduinen.

Popular summer conferences earn raves
by Bob Vandervennen

ICS Summer weekend conferences in Alberta and Ontario during August long weekends were exciting as speakers and artists brought fresh insights and experiences with the arts. Featured speakers at both conferences, held one week apart, were the Institute's Calvin Seerveld and Adrienne Dengerink Chaplin. William Romanowski of Calvin College (Michigan) was a third keynote speaker in Ontario. Larger numbers of people attended each conference this year.

Seerveld was at his engaging best picturing himself as a workaholic wondering whether followers of Christ could take a break from their life calling to engage in and enjoy art. Is it all right to lift up our noses from the wheel and just enjoy what God has given? In his distinctive way he brought us to see that the biblical reformation of human life can only be lived if we also "colour outside the lines."

Dengerink Chaplin masterfully dealt with the broad scope of art, looking especially at art that is "outside the lines," art that is modern and could not be thought of as being done by Rembrandt. Our boundary lines need to be fluid if we are to respect artistic creativity and the marvellous variety of expression.

Romanowski brought serious entertainment to the Ontario audience as he made clear that viewing movies and TV shows requires developed skills to see as a Christian what is being presented.

There were fun and creative programs for children and teens - Ontario children enjoyed a swimming pool and horseback rides. Sunday worship services were the richest and most moving that most who attended will experience for the whole year. In Ontario the evening service was the stunning enactment through modern dance of the biblical story of Ruth.

Workshops covering many of the arts, book sales, art shows and hearty singing were all part of the conferences.

PRAYER
offered by Wietse Posthumus
at the ICS Ontario Summer Conference

Lord, God of Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob,
God of our mothers and grandmothers:
You are the God of the Institute for Christian Studies
and all who labour and support its house of endeavours;
of its leaders,
leaning hard into the scriptures,
searching and finding love and compassion;
of the mind and heart of Henk Hart,
caring and committed, courageously colouring outside the lines.
You are our God and we are your people - a new creation. This morning we are happy campers
- although we sit somewhat soiled in your presence.
We are confident that you will hear us,
as you heard our fathers and mothers before us and our children hereafter and hereafter.
We are truly honoured and humbled.
We see and hear, taste and feel your greatness in your word and all around us.
We have sung and danced your praises.
Accept our worship, we pray. We see your majesty and power in the single brilliant red hibiscus,
outstanding against a background of leafy green.
Breathtaking in its intricacy and startling in its beauty
- wonderfully wrought without the intervention of human hands.
We experience reconciliation in the work and ways of others as when we stroll,
delightedly dallying in The Garden by Monet on our way to stand,
soul stirred and silent by Vincent's Sunflowers.
We thank you for redemption and reconciliation through your son
- our Messiah
- and for Handel's momentous musical tribute.
For your word - rock solidly forgiving,
and for the Stone Lectures
and The Stone Angel.
For the high drama of the Gospel and for the magic of theatre. We thank you for food, garden-grown greens and reds, beans, peppers and tomatoes,
the juice and taste exquisite;
Babette's Feast and for Holy Communion.
For all who dance with David and beyond.
For Solomon's Song of Songs and Seerveld's The Greatest Song.
For this conference and all who participated giving and getting time and talent,
For Adrienne Chaplin's Art and Soul.  
Art, drama, dance, theatre, film,
to say nothing of opera.
Lord, what a world you created! We sullied - you redeemed,
and now we may participate in its reconciliation.
Help us be worthy co-workers in your new creation,
to overcome prejudice,
to break down barriers and artificial structures,
to bring peace and speak of salvation. This weekend we have connected with family and friends
reminiscing of times and travels that were good
and made even better through the magic of memory
- memory, such a marvellous redeemed part of your creation. We are blessed.
It's good to be alive, to be here, to belong together to you. We ask that you walk among us now and rejoice with us, if you will.
Of course, you're invited, we are here in your name and we want to please and revere you.
Now I know it may seem forward, but please do come in - into our hearts - in here
- we know you've been in a barn before. Please ignore the untidiness of our thoughts,
the unruly temper of emotions,
the messiness of our relationships;
we haven't had time to clean up all the rooms of our lives.
Forgive us please. You know everyone here, don't you?
Please don't mind the cliques, groupings and separations.
I know we shouldn't cluster and congregate according to sex, station, style or status
(we are sorry!)
but we know you meet all of us with even handed compassion and forgiveness,
uniformly (if undeservedly),
infinitely bestowed, yet undiminished to be given again and again,
Sanctifying the life of each individual. Still some of us here have special needs and we ask that you tarry with them a while longer.
They are not captains of industry, politicians, no sons of the rich.
They have no special fame or fortune to commend them,
only . . . they are your children.  Some hurt - physically - please take time to touch their painful places.
Some have mental anguish or emotional upset.
If you would just look upon them in particular, Lord.
Some of us are lonely, although surrounded,
please stake a claim on those lives and fill the void.
We pray especially for all our children, we know you see them,
here and wherever. Some are simply alone
- pause with them and blanket them with your nearness.
We are mindful of single persons,
a partner whose spouse is not or just not joined with them in worship.
Some here may feel unaccepted or made to feel less worthy,
or - well, different,
by reason of sex or sexual orientation,
by reason of age or learning,
by reason of race or colour.
But I see you have found them, Lord.
Thank you for visiting with them
- for they belong to us, to you,
all of us a new creation,
the ordinary made holy. Oh, yes Lord - you are right
- much to our communal shame and sorrow,
there are some here who are or were abused.
I understand you asking
- because we continue, often, to pretend they don't exist.
We hide the horror and cover the scars.
We thank you for asking about them and especially for embracing them.
Lord, please mingle among the many motley here, forgiving and winnowing as you go.
Remove the chaff from our lives so that each may leave here graced and healed by a touch
- a word, a look, or simply in passing, having felt the hem of your garment. We pray also for our country and our world, your creation.
We sense there is a proliferation of virulent viruses and violence
- we live with ethnic cleansing and e-mail pollution;
war and want are beaten back but never stilled and then explode again,
disaster and devastation,
daily depicted,
steal into our lives even if only remotely until by fingertip control we change the channel,
but - the reality remains. Our world is suffering and it continues to vex and bewilder us Lord.
But this much we know is true
- you care
- so much that you sent your Son to die for all and each. We pray for wisdom, understanding and compassion
for the unreserved acceptance of the infinite and innate value
of each and every part of your new creation. We pray for boundless imagination for imaging, through word, music, and dance,
the restoration, the hope, the healing and the shalom
bought and wrought for us by Christ's wrestling our sins to the death
- winning for a fallen world, the crown of redemption and girding it with a belt of forgiveness. We acknowledge that through all here, moved by your spirit to join in worship
- through all who want to serve You,
we now see, with eyes wide open
- albeit through a glass darkly
- a distinct reflection of your kingdom at work. We pray that you bless us,
especially all those,
who through the arts strive and struggle to be true ambassadors for the love of Christ.
For by their efforts the dark glass brightens. We pray, come grapple with us Lord,
that we may wrench a grant of blessing from your hands to hallow our sojourn,
to honour our neighbour,
to colour your world safe outside the lines and saved unlimited. We claim it all in Christ's name alone.
Hallelujah!
Amen and Amen.