Friday Five: Artsy Friday!

It's art, art, art in my life today, because I'm on the organizing committee for an all-women's art show that opens tonight! This means life has been about hanging paintings, arranging sculptures and assemblages, and doing everything we can to make sure we show off the women's work to its best advantage.

Something that has struck me in particular this year is the idea of art as a venue to give voice to the voiceless. But that's certainly not its only function. We have angry art, as political protest. We have joyful art, art that conveys the sheer buzz of being alive. We have spiritual art, reveling in the sacredness of the body or the earth. And just about every year, we have some form or another of "biblical" art, representing or commenting on something in scripture. (Above, the Levite's concubine from Judges, also known as Big Woman, by Elisabeth Lain Schell).

This Friday Five, reflect with me upon art and the role it plays in your life (and ministry!).

1. Do you have a favorite piece of art in your home? Was it made by you or someone you love? Was it a gift or something you decided to purchase?

2. What do you think of the the art in your place of worship? Does it enhance the worship experience? Would you add to it, take away from it, or otherwise change it?

3. What public art have you loved-- or hated?

4. What piece of art (famous, infamous, personal, or very, very well known masterpiece) speaks to your soul?

5. When is the last time you created something beautiful, just for you?

If you play, let us know in the comments! And here's to finger paints, yarn, fabric, flowers, or whatever tools and materials you make your life beautiful!