(Mankato, MN – October, 2009) In October of 2007, twelve people from a variety of churches in the Mankato area were drawn together to create a new kind of event focused on the theme of faith and art. They envisioned an experience that combined visual art, poetry, and music – an interactive evening that would be open to the community free of charge. In just 30 days, these volunteers pulled together people from across the community to transform an empty storefront into “The Venue” for one evening - and ended up attracting several hundred people. Last November they recreated the event and drew in over 1000 people.
They’ve decided to do it again. Only bigger and better.
“The Venue…An Open Forum of Arts and Faith” is being planned for Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25 in an open office building at the corner of Cherry & Second Streets in downtown Mankato, conveniently located in Mankato’s growing Arts & Historic District. Once again, the event will be open to the community free of charge. The Venue will include an area where artists can display their Christian faith-based art, musicians and poets can share their work on stage, and multimedia pieces will be shown on weaved projection screens.
There will also be an art creation area to allow people to sculpt, paint or draw faith-based art – without any previous artistic experience required. The entire experience is wrapped around a piping hot beverage, rich desserts, healthy treats and warm conversations.
This year they have added a “New Life Media Exchange”. The exchange is a place where people can purchase used family and Christian media (books, DVD’s, audio books, teaching tapes and CD’s, etc.) for a great price. It is also a place to donate good “dormant” media stuff. The point of the New Life Media Exchange is to put good family material into the hands of people who will use it again! If you donate anything (one item or a whole box) you will receive a coupon/receipt with your name on it to buy everything for half price.
A core group of volunteers is back to plan the second Venue, but they are looking for others who are interested in getting involved or to donate wholesome media items. Christian Artists, poets, performers, and musicians are invited to become a part of The Venue. For more information, or to arrange your media donations contact: Juliehawker@gmail.com or xcellence@charter.net.
At a glance:
The Venue…an Open Forum of Arts & Faith
Dates: Friday, October 23 (Youth Night!) and Saturday, October 24 from 6:30pm – midnight; Sunday, October 25 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm (Family Day!)
Location: 121 Cherry Street, Mankato, MN (Across from Earl Johnson Furniture)
Contact: Juliehawker@gmail.com or xcellence@charter.net.
