When A Community Embraces The Arts

Lubbock Arts Festival - General Info
The 30th Annual Lubbock Arts Festival will be held April 17 - 20, 2008 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, a completely indoor venue.

The Lubbock Arts Festival is a 3 ½ celebration of visual, performing, culinary, and children’s art as experienced through exhibits, demonstrations, performances, and special ticketed events.

The Lubbock Arts Festival is the largest fine art and fine craft show in West Texas, and in 2007, the Lubbock Arts Festival reached record attendance with 20,000 individuals coming to the event including 2,500 2nd grade students from Lubbock Independent School District.

The Lubbock Arts Festival features: Over 100 visual artists from across the nation in booths, Demonstrating Artists, Fine Arts Gallery with $2,000 in awards, Invitational Arts Gallery, Lubbock Art Association Scholarship Gallery, Children’s Make & Take Art Area, Premiere Night, Young Artist & Writer’s Competition, LISD School Day, three performance stages, Ice Sculpting Competition, Golden Fork Culinary Competition, an exhibit by Miniaturists of Lubbock, Spotlight Concert featuring a nationally renowned entertainer from Lubbock, and free art classes for children and adults.

In celebration of our 30th year, all adult festival goers will be admitted for $1.00 and all children age twelve and under, accompanied by an adult, will be admitted for free.
Read more here and here

I grew up near Lubbock, and I can remember the very first Arts festival.  In fact it started very small and simple.  I was wondering the other day if this festival still went on.  

Tonight, I found out that it still does. A three day festival of arts, food, visual arts, performing arts and more is a treasure for those attending.  I only wish I had thought of this sooner--I'd be there tomorrow taking it all in (if not for the $3.50 gas prices).  At $1.00 entrance fee--it's a bargain.

Just over a year ago I attended a conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  In researching the city I found that they have numerous theater groups, museums, dance companies and orchestra.  Truly an artistic community. It got me thinking about artistic churches in artistic communities.  
The artistic church must embrace the art in and around it's community.  Where are the artist in the church going to be most influenced and influencing?  They will find that in the artistic community in which they live. How can an artistic church make an impact in it's community.  

Here are some thought: 1) Be involved.  Add art and value to public displays.  Participate in events around the community.  Be a host to an event.2).Be a leader--get involved and serve on artistic boards and committees.  This may serve as an open avenue to make new friendships and ultimately share faith.3). Be artistic--make sure that the art within the church adds value to the art in the community.

What else would you add?

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