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God reflected in subtle and overt ways in artwork opening tonight in Canfield
By LINDA M. LINONIS
CANFIELD
In Pastor Larry Bowald’s eyes, “A Celebration of Faith Through the Arts” reflects “the positive role of faith in our personal lives and in the world.”
The family-friendly art exhibit opens tonight with a reception at Canfield Presbyterian Church, 140 W. Main St.
“The church saw this as an opportunity to use art as an expression of faith ... and show something inspirational,” Pastor Bowald said. “We wanted to be as ambiguous as possible,” he said about the artwork that could be interpreted differently by each person who views it.
The pastor said “the artwork shows where our creativity comes from ... and that is from God. We were created in His image.”
Pastor Bowald said support of the arts is a long-standing tradition in the church overall.
He said he and the exhibit committee hope not only that visitors enjoy the art but that it may prompt discussions about faith and inspiration. “It might move people to talk about God-given gifts,” he said.
The inspirational artwork is done in the media of fluid acrylics, watercolor, acrylic, photography, collage, mixed media, wood carving, oil on canvas and digital image. There are 42 entries representing about 20 artists, some amateur, some professional.
Earlier this week, Sam Boak dropped off an enlarged photo he titled “Sunset in Hawaii,” which he took on his honeymoon in the island state about 17 years ago. He said he teams the original photo, a smaller version, with the enlarged one to show people this is a real scene, not something artificially created. “The panoramic photo shows the sun like it’s sitting on top of the water and catches the ripples in the water,” Boak said. “Look how many colors and shapes of clouds. ... And you can even see a few birds.”
Boak said the scene “definitely is God’s. He did it.” He added that the scene is natural beauty.
Boak has belonged to Canfield Presbyterian since 1960.
Ray DeBonis and Dale Bradshaw are two woodcarvers who entered pieces. DeBonis, a church member for 20 years, said he has been carving for about three decades. He started out with duck decoys. He entered “An Angel for My Wife Carol” and “Angel.”
“The Lord made the originals,” he said.
Bradshaw’s wood carvings of a pelican and eagle reflect God’s creations. Other artwork focusing on nature may be alluding to the creator.
Some of the artwork suggests subtle reference about faith and God, and other art pieces are more overt. There’s a whimsical collage of color titled “Three Nuns Singing” by Cy Svagerko. “Being Called Home” by Linda Brink depicts the hand of God “calling” a grandfather to heaven while he’s with his granddaughter.