Abilene Christian University's Shore Art Gallery will feature The Next Generation: Contemporary Expressions of Faith, Sept. 4–Oct. 5. The traveling art exhibit is on loan from the Museum of Biblical Art in New York City, and features the work of 25 contemporary Judeo-Christian artists with a wide variety of styles, media, training and experience. Each piece of art will be accompanied by the artists' statement about the work, as well as the artists' resume. This will give the viewer a sense of the diversity of the art and artists in the genre of Christian art, said Garlan Jenkens, director of ACU's Shore Art Gallery and adjunct professor of art.
"I am very excited about having this show at ACU's Shore Art Gallery," said Jenkens. "This is a major show from the most prestigious museum of biblical arts in the United States."
The exhibit was collected by Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA), a national network of artists and scholars united in their recognition that religious faith is a legitimate area of inquiry for the contemporary artist. Their mission fits in with the theme of ACU's art department –"where art meets faith," said Jenkens.
"The works reflect the Christian values and traditions in this new century and millennium," said Jenkens. "The show includes painting, collage, sculpture, film, photography, mixed-media and computer-aided design."
The Adams Center for Teaching and Learning, the Office of Spiritual Formation, ACU's Annual Bible Lectureship and the ACU Department of Art and Design have combined efforts to bring this show to the Shore Art Gallery.
A public reception will be held Sept. 7, 7–9 p.m. at the gallery. A Lectureship reception is scheduled for Sept. 18, 6-8 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., Jenkens will speak on the topic "What does it mean to be a Christian in a post-modern world?"
The 2,200-square-foot Shore Art Gallery has been displaying student and faculty shows, traveling exhibits and special curated programs since its opening in 1978. Admission is free, and the gallery is open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Guided tours are avaliable for groups by calling 325-674-4896.
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