Amen to Art
When Willie F. Hobbs of Butler Township thought of suggesting a religious art exhibit to his pastor, he had no idea how the concept would catch on. The fruits of his labor and those who rallied around the idea will go on display Friday night at The Art Center on Main Street.
As seen from the front window of The Art Center, the new exhibit obviously has something to do with religion. A huge tomb and crucifix take center stage in the window.
"My motivation for wanting to put together the Inspirational Religious Art Exhibit was based solely on a 'need' and a 'purpose,'" said Hobbs, who has been involved with the Associated Artists of Butler County since 2003.
"We all know hard times have fallen on everybody from the rich to the poor regardless of race, creed, color or religion. An inspirational religious exhibit, involving all faiths and religions, is one of true meaning as opposed to viewing art for decoration."
The collection of art represents all forms of media from stained glass to three-dimensional churches, paintings, photographs and sculpture. At least 90 pieces of artwork have been submitted.
"We already had a life-size crucifix of Jesus, made out of nails by Bill Secunda of Butler, on display at the center and with the exhibit falling in the Easter month, the Tomb (in the window) tied right into the scene that I wanted to create," said Hobbs.
"While it was my concept, everything else from the original design to the finished product was the work of Tiffany London of Portersville and Rachael Wiefling of Saxonburg," he said.
The Art Center has also been affected by the recent economic downturn and is operating on a skeleton crew of volunteers. Even so, things are moving along."I'm ecstatic. Every artist wants to hear that 'wow' moment, and I think I've said it about 90 times or more in the last couple of days," said Hobbs."I'm speechless, grateful and overwhelmed with joy. I'm ... appreciative of the help and patience given by the volunteers," he said."I wanted this to be a 'feel good' exhibit with a lot of faith sharing," he said. "Naturally, I wanted every artist within reach to enter, but if the artists that did enter, and one person is helped, changed, comforted or reassured by what they see, once again, the exhibit has served its purpose."The exhibit opens Friday evening with a reception. Other special events include a performance by the youth gospel group "About A Mile" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission to the concert is $5. Exhibit admission is free.
<b>WHO: </b>Associated Artists of Butler County<b>WHAT: </b>"Inspirational Religious Art" exhibit<b>WHEN: </b>Opening with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Exhibit continues through April 24.Regular gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon to 9 p.m. Fridays, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays.<b>WHERE:</b> The Art Center, 344 S. Main St.<b>ADMISSION: </b>Free<b>INFORMATION:</b> 724-283-6922 or online at www.butlerartcenter.net
