Ellen Nikkel  created this three-dimensional art quilt.

By Joanne Murray

Oak Grove Mennonite Church in Smithville hosted “Celebrating the Arts,” a visual art exhibit with background instrumental music.  This event was held April 29-30 and featured the work of more than 20 church artists. People of all ages from Oak Grove participated by bringing their creations to the church Fellowship Center, where they were displayed.

This first event was open to the public as an outreach to the community and beyond. Adults exhibited paintings, drawings, wood block renditions, fiber and metal art, traditional and three-dimensional quilts, and wooden bowls that were hand crafted on a lathe, as well as fiber and metal art depicting Bible stories. Children’s Sunday school teachers also exhibited the work of their students, including collages, paintings, and figures that illustrated Bible stories.

Youth and senior citizens were coloring at the art therapy table as guests listened to the live music and viewed the exhibit. A creative vegetable train was on hand to sample, as well as appetizers and juice for refreshments.

A tri-fold of photos documenting some of the work was displayed in the church foyer the following Sunday.

Joanne Murray is chair of the Oak Grove Arts Committee.

Steve Murray and Dora Short color at the Art Therapy table during the “Celebrate the Arts” event at Oak Grove Mennonite Church in Smithville.