Lesson Plans

By Justin Sorensen It’s been a couple of months since we got back from CIVA’s biennial conference in the Twin Cities. Since returning home, I’ve found myself reflecting a lot on the state of higher education. This is not uncommon, as I am constantly thinking about my role as an educator and what it looks like… Continue Reading

Now Announcing Member Podcasts!

Announcing yet another way for CIVA members and friends to connect and continue conversations about art + faith: the Member Podcast, launched on the CIVA website this week. An additional perk of membership, this will serve as an excellent venue for members to get the word out about their podcasts which will no doubt be of interest to others. We invite… Continue Reading

Holding Sadness Lovingly in Your Heart

Editor’s note: This piece is reprinted by permission of the author from an earlier post on her blog. Kimberly’s session on this topic at AWTY was so well received that we thought others who weren’t able to be there might also benefit from this essay as well as her book with co-author Alison Cook, Boundaries for… Continue Reading

It’s Done!

Editor’s Note: Since 2009, Tim Lowly’s piece Without Moving (after Guy Chase) has appeared 17 times at conferences and other exhibition venues. When Tim brought it with him to ARE WE THERE YET this past weekend . . . Chicago-based artist Tim Lowly returned to the CIVA conference with his multi-year project Without Moving (after… Continue Reading

Lowery’s “Pioneer” and the Artist as Guide

By Randy Heffner Author’s note: This piece references Pioneer, a narrative short film by David Lowery. Readers wishing to avoid spoilers should first watch the film. *** Gabriela’s uncle unknowingly told her the precise night and time she could arrive. Hers was a journey of seeing – her eyes and her camera, her transport. Back… Continue Reading

Artist in the Elevator: The Sacred Art of Making While Moving

By Tessa Davidson One September morning, I donned a white Tyvec hazmat suit and stepped into an elevator, carrying a portable easel, paint, palette, stool, and several wooden panels attached to a board. As the elevator began to move and strangers poured in, I could feel the tension in their bewildered stares. “Could I ask… Continue Reading

Pressing Pause

Editor’s Note: In the press to get there, Lynda Rush Myers reminds us through her art and poetry to take time for Sabbath rest. By Lynda Rush Myers    Sabbath dissolves the artificial urgency of our days because it liberates us from the need to be finished. –Wayne Muller Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, & Delight in… Continue Reading

Thorns and Roses: A Meditation on Miracles + Suffering

Editor’s Note: We are pleased to introduce new CIVA member, Janelle Bighinatti, who has given us permission to re-publish this recent blog from her website. Please enjoy Janelle’s essay, poem, and photography.   By Janelle Bighinatti Daily I turn around and tragedy is before me, many far but some are near, twists and turns of events not my… Continue Reading

Placemaking and the Arts

Editor’s Note: We’re excited to have Jennifer Allen Craft, Associate Professor of Theology and Humanities at Point University in West Point, Georgia, as one of our break-out session leaders for ARE WE THERE YET at Bethel University in June. In anticipation of her session, please enjoy this interview on the topic of Jennifer’s new book, conducted by… Continue Reading