Calvin College’s Calvin Institute of Christian Worship has organized a weekend of seminars, workshops, and artist presentations that will focus on how we can use art to better love our neighbors. This exploration will be guided by the ideas of Latina theologian Cecila González-Andrieu (author of Bridge to Wonder: Art as a Gospel of Beauty) and philosopher Nicholas Wolterstorff (author of Art in Action: Toward a Christian Aesthetic).

The conference will take place April 25-26, 2014, with events spread across seven churches in downtown Grand Rapids. These churches will also host an art exhibition with over 300 pieces of original art, which will be open to the general public, free of charge, for the two weeks following the conference.

Standard registration is $150, but see here for special group, student, and single-day rates.

The artists who will be speaking about their work include:

• Athanasios (Tom) Clark on his insights and experiences as an Orthodox iconographer
• Steve Prince on his two lithograph series The Katrina Suite and Covenant of Love: Old Testament Made New
• Sergio Gomez on how art can break down barriers and promote understanding
• Chris Stoffel Overvoorde on his life as a teacher, printmaker, painter, and liturgical artist
• Linda Witte Henke on her unique vision for fiber and fabric art
• Timothy R. Botts on calligraphy as a spiritual practice

There will also be hands-on workshops on printmaking, painting, ceramics, calligraphy, textile art, and mosaic.

Other talks include:

• Cecilia González-Andrieu on how to become an asombrado, or wonder-filled being
• Nicholas Wolterstorff on art and social justice
• Martin Erspamer, OSB, on beauty as a pathway to God
• Betsy Steele Halstead on best projection practices during church services
• Vange Van Heusen, David Bosscher, and Eric Strand on running a church gallery
• Carolyn Elaine on engaging students in the creative process
• Jo-Ann VanReeuwyk on the importance of art education in K-12 schools
• Rev. Karl VanHam and the Pine Rest pastoral staff on how to use art in spiritual care
• Steve Prince on the art of John August Swanson
• Panel discussion on the art and legacy of Corita Kent

For more information, visit Eyekons.com.