Long Time, Time to See.

Hey all, it’s been a while since a post has straggled down this path.  To our two and a half readers, please pardon us.  Life is busy, but should never be too busy to share a good word or even better, THE good word.

You know, for a while now most of the messages shared with us by our own Pastor Matthew and of guest speakers has been about ours (yours, mine, his, hers) purpose; that is to say, the plan for our lives that God has for us if we pursue His will, and with it a sure path to changing this world for the better; for our own good; for the good of others; and for His glory.  It’s hard to figure out what that’s gonna look like for ourselves.  But, what’s great is that it does not have to be patterned after someone else.  God’s imaginative enough to create a unique yet equally powerful plan for every single one of our lives.

Enchantment by Marc Chagall

I was perusing the internet and, of course, Google came into play (what was life like before Google? Does anyone remember?).  I love the little colorful way they decorate their signage commemorating holidays or even artists’ birthdays, like our painter-friend, dear Marc Chagall, born 7.7.1887.  (good numbers, huh? three 7’s.)

Contrary to popular sentiment regarding the somber source of truly influential art, Chagall’s work celebrated blessings and with vibrant color he relayed his optimism as “an observer of the world through a stained glass window.”  And was even criticised for taking such a sunny stance.  How dare you be a talented artist…and be content!!?

The ChaGall.

La Mariée by Marc Chagall

Anyway, I just thought he’d be a great known artist to share.  He bucks the tortured trend.  He’s good at what he does.  And, through his “uncategorizable” style of art he shared with us his unabashed embrace of his Jewish culture and beliefs. 

That takes guts.

God bless you, sir.

Artist: Marc Chagall

White Crucifixion by Marc Chagall

 

Artist info gathered from Wikipedia.com

in AAW? ArT AtTacK Weekend 5/30-6/01.

G.i.g.a.t.t. In Action (on YouTube)!

Ladies and Gentlemen (echo, echo, echo).  We now present to you…the Gigatt Small Group!!!  Enjoy this short video.

Also find this video and more pictures on our FACEBOOK profile.

Hey guys, break out the Kleenox. And, the same for you ladies.

*Amazing short films: (1) a live-action drama “The Bridge“ and (2) an animated dramatization, “Everyday Life“

I know we complain about the high cheese factor of alot of Christian entertainment, but these pieces are two very diverse examples of how the message of Jesus Christ can be both heartfelt and presented skillfully and succinctly. 

Share Christ-based work that’s touched you.  If you have an example of well-composed, and mostly unknown work that you’d like to share (whether visual or audio), post a comment!

*films found on www.GodTube.com.

Art ATtaCk! April Edition ‘08. Fri.-Sun. 4/4-4/6

Whew! It’s busy on the blog, huh?!  Here’s some more…ART ATTACK WEEKEND in LOS ANGELES, baby!  Be there, or be hexagon.

EVENTS!

Fri. 4/4. 6:30p-7:30p. Terrace Cafe.  Hitcliff, our resident DC Dancer, may be offering Ballroom Dancing for us laymen and ladies.  The class is a big MAYBE, but if you’re around you might just check-in a little before/during that time and see what’s up; then follow your lesson up with our “Open Mic” nite at 8pm.  Same place. Same nite.

Location: 626 Coronado Terrace, Los Angeles, CA, 90026. (213) 273-7075

This Fri- Sat. April 4-6th. is our monthly Art Attack weekend.  Here’re this month’s details, with one big change…

Fri. 8p-9p. Terrace Cafe- Open Mic. Music, dance, spoken word…fun! (If you have a short video to share, bring that, too! We’re gonna try to get the flat screen to cooperate with us this time…anyone know how to bribe a t.v.?  Just askin…)    

Location: 626 Coronado Terrace, Los Angeles, CA, 90026. (213) 273-7075

Friday l8 nyt art: Chalk-Alot is on hold this month, guys.  Why?  Read Sunday’s blurb.  But, our ”Friday l8 nyt art” will return next month, and should remain rocksteady from that point on. Will keep you posted.

Sat. 3p-6:45p. Family Center Kitchen/Main Room - Creative Cookies  Cupcakes!  Just say, “Yum”.

Sun.

• 12noonish-1:30p. Art in Echo Park. 
• 2p-6p. Public Mural in Skid Row.  This is our community visual art, guys!

Come to Art in Echo Park or meet us there.  We leave for the mural @ 2:30p and will figure out carpooling with whoever’s there. 

The organization commissioning these community murals wants that block of Skid Row to be a light in a dark place.  So, we get a wonderful opportunity to be a blessing, touch lives we may never meet and be a part of something bigger than ourselves.  Join in! Bring clothes you can get messy in. 

So, yeah! Come out and exercise your right brain. Creativity is ageless, so there are no bones to break or tendons to strain.

EVENTS: POD and Jam. @ Angel City Cafe in Bellflower, CA. 4.4.08

3-29.

This is the first of a monthly concert series.  It is completely FREE so come and bring your friends!!! *Come early, there will be standing room only!!!*

Artist: I’m OK You’re OK: sharing the stage with Geli and LA SYMPHONY!!!

Host: REVOLUTION

Type: Music/Arts – Concert 

Date: Saturday, March 29, 2008

Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Location: Hope Chapel of the Valley

Street: 7930 Mason AveCity/Town: Winnetka, CA

Who? A few Ka-RaY-Z-4-Christ men from Angelus Temple’s worship team. 

4-04. 

A big concert that is going on april 4th if you are interested in hanging out with Traa from POD.

Time: 7pm. Tickets: $10

Angel City Cafe, 16507 Bellflower Blvd. Bellflower CA, 90706.  Venue Event List:  http://www.myspace.com/angelcitycafe

 

Who? Uhm…POD, as in “Youth of the Nation,”-POD:

Thy Wheel Be Done

 

This past Thursday’s service was right on point.  But, one of the things that struck me even before the message began was the introduction of a long-time member of Angelus Temple, Tommy Hollenstein (http://www.tommyhollenstein.com/).

He uses everything he has to praise God including paint, canvas and his wheelchair…see a very recent news report, and check out an approach to art inspired by the Master of creativity:  http://video.knbc.com/player/?id=225279

So, to recap…

Thanks to all who attended our latest Art Attack Weekend =)

Here’s a looooong story short:

Open Mic: short but very sweet.  rap, poetry, music, song, improvised group “floetry”. (heh). cozy, intimate, fun.  Thank you all for attending!

Chalkboard mural: eh. The chalkboard’s maw is wide open, waiting to be fed with some ka-razy artastic creations.  Whoever’s game, leave your mark (but make sure it’s of the kid-friendly variety.)

Creative Cold Cuts: fun!  I made a duck and ate it. (I was hungry.) Others did some fun stuff with bologna, cheese and other edible medium. Then we made up a cake-t0-g0 with custom frosting.

Art in the Park: YaY! Very relaxed with a lil’ painting, a lil’ writing, a lil’ eating and lil’ guitar strummin.  Was a beautiful day and a great ending.  People made new friends, and that’s a good thing…as Martha would say.

I wasn’t able to run around and take my own pics, but hope to rectify that next time.

Til then, folks.

ARt aTtacK weekend. March edition. 2/29-3/2.

Wassuuuuuuup?!

Our monthly ArT ATtacK weekend. That’s what.

It’s happening next week.  Yes! Next week! Friday, 2/29/08-Sunday, 03/02/08.

Friday starts with Open Mic Nite @ the Terrace Cafe 626 N. Coronado Terr., 90026, 213.273.7075. 8p-9p. (we like to switch up the times to keep you on your toes. heh.)

Practize your skillz and support otherz’ mad talentz. Spoken Word, Music, dance/performance invited.  And, I will get up and sing with you if you’re nervous. Don’t mind that I will be mouthing the word “wheelbarrel” the whole time. P.S. we’ll take a glance at your work before performing just to make sure we remain a rated “E-veryone” event.

Later that same Friday night, attack the Chalk-Alot wall mural @ the Family Center, Rm. 202 (upstairs).  10p-12mid. Hey, and don’t let the closed doors fool you; if you see light, that’s us just a’ shining. So come on in and save my phone number.

Saturday presents “Cold Cuts, Warm Art” as in sandwiches, folks. (Hey, these titles can’t all be Pulitzer Prize winners…) Family Center Kitchen and Main Room. 3p-6:45p. Anyway, we create edible art with all the essential ingrediants of the perfecto sandwich.  Here’s an idea, recreate your rival team’s mascot, then devour it. Heh.

Sunday is our beloved Art in the Park/Inside-Art. Family Center Main Room (until weather becomes more stable).  12noon-1:30p. Free paints, canvas. Writing Area. Sculpting Area. Show your mind you care, exercise your right brain. The Music Small Group leader may join us with both guitar and powerful voice, so weave your skills right on in.  Either way…

…Let’s jam.

Quoleshna

A Cup of Coffey to Wake Me Up

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 

Coffey sings “All Ye” – for the song’s chords visit http://godtube.com/coffey

For me, this verse is beginning to take on new context.  I’m beginning to understand that the answered prayer does not always result in my own desired change in outer circumstances; yet, instead, often leads to the change needed within to perservere.

Funny, this verse was first put on my heart via Coffey Anderson’s “Come Ye” song (see above vid; more songs found on http://www.myspace.com/coffeysouthernman).  I didn’t feel it a verse that I really needed at the time, as a few of us gathered and sang the song together with one guitar and several voices, most of us failing miserably at the rap part.

Yet, I find myself finding my own rest in it even now, as past hurts and insecurities would threaten to restrict the voice that God has given me (just as He’s given you!)

Rest and peace comes when we don’t restrict God to our own expectations, because He’s bigger than that. 

We have to give God the space to move in His own way; ’cause His ways don’t just tend the symptoms, but address our issue’s source.