Friends, let’s be honest, posting anything takes some second-guessing as of late amidst the unique intersection of history between this global pandemic and cultural revolution. Like you I’m sure, the inability to register a lot of the emotions and thoughts within and around us is overwhelming. I believe God calls us each out to do our part with the gifts He’s already supplied you with. What I can humbly put forth is an example of blessed diversity and broken down barriers found in art. Art is a major equalizer, a powerful tool, universally appreciated, and is in itself a voice.
This Tuesday, June 9th, marks the end of 7 weeks of ‘creative outreach’ with my Art Evangelists School crew. We spent many days praying for you, studying the character and heart of God, and exploring how those messages translate into works of art, all while physically apart. We are thrilled to present to you a taste of what’s been on our minds, and even more so, we hope these pieces stir within you a prompting to pray, worship, hope, speak, act.
BUT WAIT! There is a duo-unveiling to this post! Not only are you invited to virtually view the galleries of some wonderfully talented and faithful friends across the world, this is also your first glimpse at a new passion venture of some of us called Santo Collective. On my flight back from Mazatlán, I prayed for God’s BIG VISION, vision that I couldn’t realize on my own. Within a month, while gathering the internal pieces of treasure that I’d picked up along the way from the school, there emerged the idea to bring that treasure to the masses, specifically the believing artists who crave community and clarity on their holy identity and gifting. Despite the infant stages, there are already dreams of how this can authentically become a space to bridge creativity and spirituality, as well as to open up a more in-depth conversation of what it means to allow Christ and Holy Spirit into a craft. Via stories, galleries, spotlights, and testimonies, we hope to offer you a wide-breadth of views from all over the world, displaying the unending ways God can guide and dwell in the creative process.
Enjoy the fruit of this quarantine time on the brand, spankin’ new Santo Collective site from the perspective of a few artists that love God.
P.S. If you’re in a rush, you can get a quick preview on my homepage.
P.P.S. Santo Collective is intended to be a hub of creative inclusivity and diversity, so please feel free to share with your friends, family, or that 1 person that crossed your mind the moment you started reading this blog post. Happy exploring!
And for inquiring minds… Santo means ‘holy’ in Spanish. One of the few words that actually sunk a little deeper into my psyche while attempting to converse; versus the rest of my Spanish vocabulary that still just feel like syllables that I say to mean what I want to say in English. And Holy, well by dictionary terms comes up as ‘designated for the purposes of God’, and I can’t seem to put that in any better way.
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
–Matthew 11:28-30