Three Local Latter-day Saint Artists Participate in Interfaith Art Festival

Before 2020 and regular use of Zoom and live streaming, most events were over and done. This year, the Interfaith Council of Thanks-Giving Foundation decided to host an art exhibit that will continue to enrich all those who access it online. The original plan, a March gallery show, was delayed until August.  When it became apparent a live event was impossible, the internet became the only option. In some ways, it proved even better. A spring festival became instead a Winter Festival of Faiths and Cultures.

Artists from faith groups around the metroplex and beyond submitted applications early in the year. They produced short videos in which they explained their work and their inspiration, all based on the theme “New Beginnings.” Amy Lewis Hogland, director of The Crow Collection of Asian Art of The University of Texas at Dallas, curated the program. After a livestream on December 13, pre-recorded programs aired December 14-17. All are available at facebook.com/thanksgivingsquare.

More than a dozen faith traditions are included, with participants from all over the world. Varun Arora, a Sikh by choice, designed a poem in beautiful calligraphy. Veronique Jonas, originally from South Africa, shares several interpretations of her Jewish heritage. J. Lee Garcia, originally from Dallas, reflects on her multi-ethnic roots. Kavas and Kashmira Mistry explain their patlas, small flat stools used in their Zoroastrian faith to celebrate ceremonies for individuals. The videos from all the artists are thoughtful and insightful, the real treasures of this exhibit.

Three LDS artists were chosen to present their work. Brittany Scott, featured in the Thanks-giving Square Facebook Live December 14 program at 15:04, talks about her painting of a vase of pink roses. She goes on to quote from Isaiah’s prophecy, “The desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.”

Michael Frank Peterson works in an unusual sculpting medium using glass. He combines painted images with layered glass to share his vision of repentance. Two butterflies symbolize a letting go of the past. He can be seen in the Thanks-giving Square Facebook Live December 14 exhibit at 48:05 for his remarks.

Internationally renowned artist Jorge Cocco Santángelo created a style he calls sacrocubism. Originally from Argentina, he lived in Europe and Mexico before relocating to the North Texas area. His unique paintings portray familiar scenes and stories from the Bible and the Book of Mormon, with planes of color reminiscent of stained glass. His work is featured in the interview portion of the opening program on the Thanks-giving Square Facebook Live December 13 (18:00) and on December 15 (12:15).

The musicians deserve special mention. James R. Powers III and his wife Sherry play their drums on December 13, Ashley Alarcon stars on her flute on December 14, vocalist Dee Morales appears December 15, Ebru Ciger and Selen Gulfiden introduce us to traditional Turkish instruments December 16, and Naoko Nakumara plays her harp on December 17.

A particularly compelling segment aired on December 17, featuring artists from The Stewpot, a safe haven for the homeless in downtown Dallas. These remarkable artists participate in the arts program of this ministry established in 1974. We meet Edwin, Darrell, Gershon, and Miss C, with other works by Stewpot artists as well. We may not know their last names, but we do know their hearts and see their remarkable talents.

Our committee (representing Christian denominations, Jewish, Muslim, and Zoroastrian communities) promise an exciting, rich, and rewarding experience whether you view one or all of these presentations.