For information about the ministries of First United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids, MI please visit www.grandrapidsfumc.org      


History

Celebration of the Arts began in 1972 and is a 13 day festival of the arts. In its 39th year, Celebration has grown to represent one of the largest juried sacred art shows in the country. It features artists from throughout the region in a variety of mediums including oils, acrylic, watercolor, sculpture, fiber, photography, and more. During the 13 day festival there are many individual events including concerts, drama, and art activities.

Past Galleries: 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | PERMANENT COLLECTION

CALENDAR

February 3 - 4, 2012 -  Artwork received from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
February 7, 2012 -  Notification Cards Mailed
February 10, 2012 -  Artists' Reception from 7:00 - 9:00 pm, open to the public
February 11 - 21, 2012 - Show open to the public from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
February 11, 2012 - The Dodworth Saxhorn Band at 7:00 pm
February 12, 2012 - Gallery Walk from 9:30 - 10:30 am
February 12, 2012 - "The Art of The Organ" – Organ Concert featuring Eric Strand at 3:00 pm
February 15, 2012 - Gallery Walk from 12:00 - 1:00 pm
February 18, 2012 - Jazz Vespers with the Dave Collee Quartet and Ginny Dusseau at 6:00 pm
February 19, 2012 - Family Concert with Tom Woodruff at 3:00 pm
February 22, 2012 - Show open to the public from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
February 22, 2012 - Off the Wall Party from 4:00 - 7:00 pm
February 22, 2012 - Ash Wednesday Service at 7:00 pm

2012 Juror

1stRobert Lee Mejer
is Distinguished Professor of Art and Art Program Coordinator at Quincy University. He holds a M.F.A. from Miami University of Ohio and a B.S. in Art/Art Education from Ball State University. A signature member of numerous national watercolor societies, Dr. Mejer has extensive experience as a juror.

In addition, Mejer has taught at summer art programs including Skidmore College and the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts. He has presented over 65 one-man exhibitions, and his works have been selected for exhibition in over 500-juried competitions.

Mejer´s watercolor works are to be found in many corporate, university and government collections. As a recipient of numerous fellowships and grants, Mejer has also been awarded the 2001 Quincy University Distinguished Professor Award and is listed in Who´s Who in American Art.

 

NEWS AND EVENTS

FEBRuary, 2012
•  The 2012 Selected Artists and Art is online. Click here >>

January, 2012
•  Look below to view this year's special series. All events are free of charge.

October, 2011
•  The 2012 Entry Form is online. Click here >>

March, 2011
•  The 2011 Photo Gallery has been published here >>

Mailing List!
If you would like to be added to our mailing list for Celebration, please submit the "Join The Mailing List" form below or contact Ruth Strohmer, Mailing Coordinator at celebration@grandrapidsfumc.org. Please indicate if you are an artist. PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!.

 

SPECIAL SERIES

The Dodworth Saxhorn Band
Saturday, February 11 at 7:00 pm
1stThe Dodworth Saxhorn Band is a re-creation of one of America´s first all-brass bands. Using antique valved horns and drums, the Band will bring America´s past to life through music, song, audience participation, drama, poetry, dance and theatre. Audiences of all ages will enjoy this musical trip back in history! This activity is funded in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Humanities Council. Free of charge.

Gallery Walk-through Celebration of the Arts
Sunday, February 12, 9:30 am in Wesley Hall
Wednesday, February 15, 12:00 pm in Wesley Hall

Experience this year´s show through the special insight of Nancy Clouse, artist and faculty member from Grand Rapids Community College. Free of charge.

"The Art of The Organ" – Organ Concert featuring Eric Strand
Sunday, February 12 at 3:00 pm
Eric Strand, new Director of Music and Arts, will present a concert on First Church´s four manual, 68 rank Möller/Buck pipe organ. The organ recital, "The Art of The Organ" will feature music that is inspired by visual art, as well as other masterworks for the organ by Bach, Duruflé and Howells. Free of charge.

Jazz Vespers: The Dave Collee Quartet with Ginny Dusseau
1stSaturday, February 18 at 6:00 pm
Performing together since 1997, this group´s artistry and fresh approach to jazz have delighted audiences wherever they have performed. Experience their exceptional style in our historic sanctuary! Free of charge.

Family Concert with Tom Woodruff
Sunday, February 19 at 3:00 pm
Tom Woodruff, an illustrator of children´s history books, enjoys sharing his love for the Great Lakes State with students of all ages. His presentation will engage the audience in a drawing project that explores Michigan lore. Join Tom for a time of art, history and family fun! Free of charge.

Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday, February 22, 7:00 pm
This is a traditional service including the imposition of ashes. Free of charge.

We look forward to having you with us!


ENTRY

Join the Mailing List

MEDIA TYPES:
Oils, acrylics, watercolors, prints, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, fiber, textiles, collage, photography, multi-media, etc.

FEES:
$20.00 for the first entry, $10.00 for the second entry. Entries are limited to two pieces per person. Make checks payable to: FUMC Arts Council

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Works should express a religious or spiritual quality. A note of explanation may be attached for the juror's use.
2. All works must be dry and ready for presentation.
3. Two dimensional work must be framed and ready to hang with proper hangers and wire.
4. No unframed glass will be accepted.
5. Artwork must not have been entered in a previous Celebration show.
6. No slides of artwork will be accepted.
7. No prints will be accepted. Original artwork only.

SALE OF WORK
Works may be sold. FUMC Arts Council takes no commission. Those works not for sale (NFS) must be so marked.

LIABILITY
Entries will be handled with all possible care. First United Methodist Church will not be responsible for loss or damage from any cause whatsoever.

ENTRY PROCEDURES
1. Download and fill out the entry form. Click here >>
2. Fill out and attach the Identification Cards to the back upper left corner of each entry.
3. Deliver the cards and artwork to First United Methodist Church, 227 East Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, MI on Friday or Saturday, February 3 - 4, 2012 between 10:00 - 4:00 pm.

SHIPPING/CONTACT
Contact Deborah May, Associate Director of Music and the Arts, at debm@grandrapidsfumc.org for shipping instructions.  Pieces must be received by Thursday, February 2, 2012 to be entered into the show.

Eric Strand, Director of Music and the Arts
First United Methodist Church
(616) 451.2879
erics@grandrapidsfumc.org