Experience Art this Lent

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Epiphany Gallery by Anne Groton

Art is imperishable. (Okay, the banana taped to the wall of the Guggenheim may have become a bit ripe.) We’re talking about the making of art. Art waits for us. Art can wait silently, it can give a, “ca caw, ca cawwww,” or It can stand on a chair and scream for our attention. Through the past two years, Epiphany Gallery sat in silence for a while then offered some nibbles for those craving a little art. Now, as we approach Lent 2022, Epiphany Gallery is hearing the loud and clear, “Look at me!’ voice! We’re responding with a triple whammy! Once the waffles of Fat Tuesday are digested, Epiphany Gallery is coming in hot to Lent!

Join us for:

Art Room Night – join us Friday, March 4th from 6:00pm until 9:00pm for a night of art and connection! We will have materials and ideas for creative exploration or you can bring whatever you are currently creating! Bring snacks and beverages and let the art begin! This art night is for grown-ups and high schoolers who don’t mind hanging out with grown-ups!

Art Room Prompts – beginning Tuesday, March 8th, the Art Room will meet on Zoom from 11:00am until 11:30am for the week’s prompt reveal and for sharing time! Prompts will be offered each week of Lent, through Tuesday, April 7th!

If you can’t meet on Zoom, no worries, we will send out the prompts via email, and will post them on Epiphany Gallery Facebook and Instagram pages! If you want the Zoom link or to be added to the email list, contact Andrea Fieldhouse Griner or Cassandra Morgan.

Epiphany Gallery Exhibit – we are so excited to exhibit the work of Kari Maxwell once again in the gallery! In 2020 we adored her almost-as-big-as-life bison paintings! Now she will be exhibiting a wondrous collection of birds. Much smaller but no less stunning! In line with our theme, “Unexpected,” this is a new and unexpected series for Kari! With the exhibit, we will share her thoughts on the “Unexpected,” in her art!

Fat Tuesday is the only Tuesday I like!

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Fat Tuesday is the only Tuesday I like!

Andrea Fieldhouse Griner

Did you know Christmas, Epiphany and Mardi Gras are all connected by the number six? January 6th to be precise. January 6th is the twelfth day of Christmas, Epiphany, and the start of the SEASON of Mardi Gras. The actual day of Mardi Gras moves as Ash Wednesday moves – they are “partners.”

I love when things have a rhythm and so I love the four seasons of Minnesota. Many people are not aware that the church has seasons. The seasons of the church begin with Advent, move to Christmas, slam into Epiphany, and jarringly enter Lent. Lent is not generally regarded as the season of fun as its purpose is to lead us to Holy Week, and the cross. This season is more thoughtful, quiet and introspective  – often people choose to refrain from something they enjoy or take on a discipline of sorts. All meant to focus them on God and faith. Lent is finally redeemed as the season moves to Easter and the Resurrection!

Often forgotten in this whole journey from season to season is Mardi Gras – remember, I said Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday are partners. Mardi Gras, French for Fat Tuesday, and Ash Wednesday begin Lent.

During the Middle Ages, Lent became EXTREMELY strict. It was a time of penance, discipline, and self-sacrifice. People ate no meat, sweets, butters, fats, or syrups. They also abstained from festivals, parties, and fun! Mardi Gras was the “last hurrah” before Ash Wednesday and Lent, and is filled with partying, playing and decadence. The mask tradition started because people wanted to hide their identity. The name “Mardi Gras” comes from the tradition of slaughtering and eating the fatted calf. The custom of making pancakes comes from the need to use up fat, eggs, and dairy before the fasting and abstinence of Lent begins. Mardi Gras has grown and evolved from a day to a season. This season is filled with revelry, parades, music, celebration and fun for all. But no matter what is happening on Mardi Gras, on Bourbon Street, it ends at midnight. Mounted police clear the way for large street cleaners because Lent has begun.

I suspect you might be a little surprised to find out the Mardi Gras of New Orleans has Christianity “holding” it! So, in the name of rhythm and seasons, it’s time for Mount Calvary to think about getting our Mardi Gras on! We are going to do purple, green and yellow, beads, masks and all you can eat waffles! I bet we can also arrange for jazz music to set the tone! Let’s get ready for Lent by embracing a celebration we helped start. It happens on Tuesday, March 1! Write it on your calendar in large purple letters, and remember you have to eat dinner anyway so why not do it here?!

Celebrate Black History Month

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CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatian 3:28

Initially, Black History Month was a way of educating students and young people about Black-American contributions. Such stories had been largely forgotten and were a neglected part of the national narrative.

Now, we celebrate those who’ve impacted, not just the country, but the world with their activism and achievements. In the US, the month-long spotlight during February is an opportunity for people to engage with Black histories, go beyond discussions of racism and slavery, and highlight Black leaders and accomplishments.

Want to know what we are up to in the Twin Cities to celebrate our siblings in Christ? Check out this website for events online and in person!