On the eve of Arts, Beats & Eats, Royal Oak Missionary Church is announcing a new cultural opportunity for artists and the general public: “Through Their Eyes” is an art show being hosted by the church on Dec. 8 from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

The show is open to any member of the general public. The first place winner will receive $1,000 from the church, while second place will receive $500. The event was proposed by the church's pastor and supported unanimously by the church's board.

Encouraged to submit pieces are those with little or no background with the Bible, however, anyone can contribute a piece. “Through Their Eyes” is based upon how Scripture is seen through the eyes of the layperson or even non-church goer.

Accepted artwork must focus upon an event, place, or some item associated with a passage of the New Testament. Artists must fill out an application to compete.

The requirements for submissions are that:

• They be based upon something from the New Testament.
• The artist reads or studies the passage which he or she is depicting in their work.
• The contributions attempt be “original” and to break new ground in Biblical art.

The show will be adjudicated by a panel of qualified artists. Art will be displayed from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. From 7-8 p.m., a panel discussion entitled “What Happened to Christianity and the Arts?” will be held, after which awards will be announced, followed by punch and hors d'oeuvres.

The cost of admission to the general public is $5. Artists seeking an application to submit a piece of artwork can contact the church at 248-541-6606.

Part of the purpose of the show is to affirm the community's appreciation for art, and introduce others to the vast amount of opportunity for artistic creativity that the Bible offers.

Says Lead Pastor Bill Barnwell, “While recently visiting the DIA, I was struck by how much of the art was spiritually and Biblically themed. Even many non-believers of those days realized the immense value and potential that Scripture provided for art.”

Royal Oak residents recently approved the DIA millage request by roughly 75 percent. Barnwell says the event also promotes mutual cultural tolerance.

“Our church would have the opportunity to display works by some people who do not have a 'religious' background and these individuals will also in turn find a new appreciation for art that is based upon sacred Christian texts.”

While an Evangelical church putting so much emphasis on culture and the arts is rare today, it is not at all out of line with traditional Christian history.

“I have often wondered to myself over the years why so many Evangelicals have abandoned the arts. Christians used to be on the cutting-edge of artistic endeavors. Not so anymore. This is our part to try and change that trend. We're proving it by being willing to pay good money to see local residents produce good, original, quality art.”

Assisting Barnwell in the planning of the event is George Gillespie, who serves at the church's Vice-Board Chairman. Gillespie is a retired public school teacher and retired adjunct music professor from Oakland Community College.

“This is unique. It's not something typical of Evangelical churches in our area. We're very excited to affirm our community's creativity and be a part of something new,” said Gillespie.

Source: Royal Oak Missionary Church.