Dec
21
Since September, officially, I’ve been part of a group working to launch The Bleeding Heart Art Space, from our family at Urban Bridge Church. Our team of 10 plus passionate souls has been hammering out a set of values that will define and shape the space, while our church family has been raising funds to pay the rent for the project. On that front, we’re near $14 000 already (you can download a pledge card or contribute online at http://urbanbridgechurch.com/2011/10/bleeding-heart-sacred-space-2/). The process of creating values is a difficult one, but has gone very well. Over the next couple of weeks or so I’d like to share those values with you, as well as the ‘manifesto’ that has come from them. It’s all very exciting, and I think you’ll like what we’ve come up with. We certainly do.
What we value
Here are the six values that will define The Bleeding Heart Art Space going forward, in our mission statement;
At The Bleeding Heart Art Space, we curate a community that is engaging, inclusive, redemptive, local and champions artistic excellence. We are awestruck.
These words will keep us on the path we’ve chosen. These words will inform the things we say yes to, as well as the things we say no to. Each of these words, of course, is packed with meaning, and we need to unpack them for you. Descriptive sentences that do just that will unfurl here in the coming days, as will the manifesto that these words have inspired. We’re very excited about that.
So … what do you think? What kind of space and community can you imagine flowing from those values? Share your comments and questions below.
Tags: bleeding heart, bleeding heart art space
Posted in Alberta Avenue, News from iLoveArtists | No Comments »
Sep
12
Two Sundays ago we let loose the Great Big Dream on the Urban Bridge Church community (my home church, who are launching and supporting the project). Last week, in the middle of Kaleido mayhem, I shared the Claire story here, and thus let you all in on the news. In both cases, and wherever I’ve been sharing about The Bleeding Heart Art Space these past few weeks, questions have been popping up like fall coloured leaves. A few at first, but inevitably coming faster and thicker. Here are some answers to questions we’ve been asked about The Bleeding Heart, and questions that I would be asking if I didn’t know the answers already. Feel free to add your own questions to the comments below. Help us refine our communication of this wild idea!
What Is The Bleeding Heart Art Space?
It is an Art Space
The Bleeding Heart will provide gallery space to curate shows with artists from the community. The themes explored will spark meaningful conversation among those at various points on their spiritual journey. Through art we will explore questions of life, meaning and faith, with our eyes on hope and love.
The Bleeding Heart will offer a resource library, exploring the intersection of faith and culture, as well as music and resources from local artists. Resources for spiritual growth, as well as for artists looking to hone their craft, will be made available through the library, workshops/seminars, and online.
The space will provide opportunities to create in community, and to create community.
It is a Sacred Space
The Bleeding Heart will be dedicated to the pursuit of art, hope, faith and love.
It will not be a “Christian art gallery”. In fact, art may be displayed that challenges Christianity. It will be a space for open dialogue and exploration of what it means to be in relationship with God and with each other in this world, and in this neighborhood. Things could get messy.
One will not need to be told this is a sacred space, but rather will have a sense of the transcendent upon entering. By the design and prayer of its co-creators, the space will speak. The context will be more important than the content (thanks to Mark Pierson for clarifying this distinction in his book, The Art of Curating Worship). This may manifest itself in the simplicity and quiet stillness of the space, the quality of the artworks, the ambient music, the attitude of the staff and other factors.
It is a Community Space
The Bleeding Heart will seek to cultivate a community of creatives seeking Christ. In time, this community will meet to party together, pray together, wrestle with scripture together and worship together.
Why start The Bleeding Heart Art Space?
iLoveArtists has been working with artists in Alberta Avenue for the past few years. You can read about these artists in The Story of Claire, a story we’ve imagined about the Bleeding Heart, available online at http://www.iloveartists.ca/2011/09/introducing-claire-and-a-great-big-dream/. At the same time, many Urban Bridge Church members have moved into Alberta Avenue, investing their lives here. We’ve done great things working from homes and coffee shops and taking part in the many community initiatives that exist on Alberta Avenue, but we’ve also encountered limitations. We’ve realized the need for a physical, tangible presence on the Avenue. We want to pastor artists in the community, and they need to be able to find us when they need us. By moving into the neighborhood, we will have a place to curate shows, host workshops and performances, host community conversations, house a small library, and contribute to the transformation of Alberta Avenue.
Why the name Bleeding Heart?
It ties into the identity of iLoveArtists. It is tongue and cheek and a little sassy. It is about being disliked for all the right reasons. It is a derogatory term in the same way that Christian was once upon a time. It is about loving too much, which is something we’d like to try. It also inspires an awesome logo.
Here is what Wikipedia has to say;
A bleeding heart is an informal label applied to someone regarded as excessively sympathetic, liberal in a political sense, or both. It is typically considered a derogatory remark. Etymologically, the term originated as a Christ reference, originally the bleeding heart under a cross, representing the sufferings of Jesus crucified.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleeding_heart
Where will the Bleeding Heart Art Space be?
Alberta Avenue, Edmonton’s newest arts district, bursts at the seems with artists. The annual Kaleido Family Arts Festival puts on vivid display the transformation that has happened in this community over the past 6 years, and continues to happen. The area is full of passionate people wanting to transform their community. I’ve also spotted Jesus here.
While the redemption of Alberta Avenue extends to envelop other surrounding communities, the primary area is 118th avenue between NAIT and Northlands. It is in this area, and ideally in the arts hub between 90th and 94h streets, that the Bleeding Heart will be planted and grow.
While rents remain low, and hopes are high, we have the opportunity to invest in this neighborhood, extending the conversation of Urban Bridge into an Urban Mission that reflects the strengths and values of Alberta Avenue, and the strengths values of Urban Bridge Church and The Church as a whole.
Who is involved?
We are still seeking team members, but so far Josh and Jessica Culling, Lindsay Drennan, Kristin Kajorinne, Andy Mulcair, Randy Ritz, Heather Robertson, Aaron Vanimere, Kevin and Kerri Stennes, David, Jeanne and Andrew Williams and myself have decided to create this space together. Others have expressed interest as well. These people will remain a part of Urban Bridge Church for the foreseeable future, though their involvement may change.
We hope that some of you reading this want to join us, as well. Let us know by emailing info@iloveartists.ca. We’ll find a place for you.
How can we make this happen?
We need not only a team, but the support of Urban Bridge Church and many others. Specifically, we need;
- leadership team members and volunteers
- wisdom
- a home (building to house the space)
- money (around $3000/mnth or $36 000/yr to start)
- a lot of prayer
What is next?
We hope to have funds, people and other resources in place to open the doors in early 2012. We hope to use this space for part of Bridge Songs: 2012. We hope to throw a great big open house party to ward off the winter doldrums and we hope you’ll be there. In the meantime, we meet to pray Sunday, September 18th (please join us!), and the leadership team will have our first lunch together Sunday September 25th to get the big ball rolling. From there, we’ll keep you posted.
Any questions? Better yet – any ideas?
Tags: Alberta Avenue, art space, bleeding heart art space, claire, dreams, vision
Posted in Alberta Avenue, News from iLoveArtists | 2 Comments »
Apr
12
The Kaleido Festival preparations are underway, as the biggest community arts festival in the city heads into year 6.
Attached is PDF containing information for artists and artisans who wish to participate in the September Kaleido Gallery, September 9-11. Open the PDF for details. If you wish to apply, send an email to kaleidofestart@gmail.com.
Artist Registration for Kaleido 2011 (PDF download)
Note: the submission deadline is April 29, 2011.
Some notes from Arts On The Ave;
Submissions will be forwarded to a jury to determine eligibility. Art gallery artists do not need to be in attendance at the festival, but are encouraged to come by and enjoy the event!
Get more information online at the Arts On The Ave website at http://artsontheave.org/2011/04/call-for-submissions-kaleido-fest-2011/
Tags: arts on the ave, call for submissions, Kaleido Festival
Posted in Alberta Avenue, Opportunities | Comments Off
Mar
23
Last year’s Bridge Songs event raised around $900 for ACE, a community initiative from Big Brothers and Sisters in Edmonton co-led by Jennifer Wilde, one of the “Part Time Lovers” (leaders of iLoveArtists). ACE is an after school arts program working at Delton School near the Alberta Avenue area of Edmonton. Jennifer and her team asked the students to contemplate Hope, and create a work of art about what Hope is to them. The results are beautiful, if a little heart-breaking at times. Thanks to Jennifer and her crew at ACE for sharing this book with us.
ACE Book 2010 – Hope Is
Tags: ACE, Big Brothers and Sisters, community arts, Hope, Jennifer Wilde
Posted in Alberta Avenue, Book Reviews, Hope, Illustration | Comments Off
Feb
28
Are you an artist interested in moving into Edmonton’s newest Arts District? The brand-spanking-new artsHub building is affordable, sits in a prime spot and is looking for tenants. Here is the information I received from them today;
The new Arts Hub Building on 118ave still has 5 units available for rent.
If you are an artist, artisan, musician, dancer, etc feel free to check out http://www.artshab.com/pages/projects/nina_coop.htm and fill out an application, and submit it to lhuffman@artshab.com
Rent is $775/mo and they are 1 Bedroom + Den units.
Tags: Alberta Avenue, artists coop, arts hab, artsHub, housing
Posted in Alberta Avenue, Opportunities, Resources | Comments Off
Jun
14
This year, more than one person took the time to capture Bridge Songs on film on June 5th. I’m glad they did, because it was a wonder-full night we want to remember for a long time. And for those of you who weren’t able to make it out, these images give a glimpse into “the sound (and sight) of glory”.
This first batch of images was captured by Susan Wilde, with post-processing by our own Jennifer Wilde. They’re simply lovely.
http://wildelifephotography.com/Events/Bridge-Songs-Faerie/
Tags: Bridge Songs, Bridge Songs: Faerie, event, performance, photos
Posted in Alberta Avenue, Art, Art Shows, Bridge Songs: Faerie, Concert Reviews, Event Reviews, Galleries, Photography | Comments Off
Jun
1
The CRUD Dinner Club is gathering and visiting another local restaurant.
The club gets together every month for good food and conversation.
It`s a great way to sample some of the great fare in our area and to connect with our neighbours.
For June’s Dinner we are visiting Safron’s Caribbean Delight, featuring Jerk Chicken, Oxtail, Curried Goat, Patties, Rum Cake and more.
All are welcome! Seating is very limited, plan to bring your lawn chair, lots of room outside. RSVP to assure seating in restaurant.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 6pm – 8pm at Safron’s Caribbean Delight, 8307 118 Ave
If you plan to attend please contact Alice at bertg@telusplanet.net
Posted in Alberta Avenue, Events, Love | Comments Off
Jun
1
The Alberta Avenue Farmers’ Market is celebrating its first anniversary this Thursday, June 3 from 2pm until 7pm at the Alberta Avenue Community Centre (9210 118 Avenue).
This year round market runs indoor during the winter months and both indoor and outdoor during the summer. The Market offers a variety of baked goods, preserves, hot house tomatoes and cucumbers, farm fresh eggs and meats, and more. Great gifts and household items are available from our Craft Vendors.
Revitalization efforts along 118 Avenue have brought many positive changes to Alberta Avenue in the last few years. Our neighbourhood is now being recognized for its great community spirit, art festivals and unique shopping and dining opportunities. In honor of such positive change, the Alberta Avenue Community League is proud to unveil three murals that we have the privilege of hanging on our building.
The murals, by local artist Kris Friesen, depict three major events that are part of the area’s revitalization: our Farmers’ Market and two of our annual festivals, the Kaliedo Family Art Festival and the Deep Freeze Byzantine Festival. The mural trio was funded through the City of Edmonton’s Neighbourhood Revitalization Matching Grant.
“These three murals will beautify our community centre and help prevent graffiti,” says Karen Mykietka, league president, “as well as provide a year round reminder of the special place 118th Avenue has become.”
Join us at 2pm for the kick off and unveiling of the murals followed by free cake and coffee. In addition to the market outdoor kick off and mural unveiling, local musicians will play music throughout the afternoon.
Confirmed attendants include City Councillors, Tony Katerina and Ed Gibbons, along with many other artists and community members.
Posted in Alberta Avenue, Events, Love | Comments Off
May
29
I have recently joined the board for Arts of the Ave. For those of you unfamilar with this, Arts on the Ave Edmonton Society is a non-profit, community based, grassroots initiative engaged in developing 118th Avenue into a community arts district. To date, Arts on the Ave has organized and presented a broad range of activities: extensive art showings, a variety of inter-disciplinary festivals as well as activities that are a blend of artistic expressions in an educational, mentoring and sharing environment. This coalition has used the existing cultural fabric to enliven Edmonton’s inner-city neighbourhoods. They have showcased local talent, and crossed boundaries to establish a multi-disciplinary arts cluster. The organization is engaged with the city and dedicated to the community through the cultivation of positive urban renewal. It is through culture-led urban regeneration initiatives, a vision of creative spaces and place-making that these art-infused communities have begun to flourish and provide a safe, nurturing environment for artists to thrive.
Sounds good, right? Okay, I stole the wording from our website (www.artsontheave.org)
As a new board member, I am working on a fundraising event called “Avenue and Alleys…”. The event will happen on Saturday June 19th and I am looking for teams to commit to raising $600 (for a team of 4). We can provide tax receipts for any donations over $20. The event is held at Plaza Bowl (10418 – 118 Avenue). Everything is back to basics at Plaza Bowl. J Located in the basement of a strip mall, not far from the 118th Avenue traffic circle on 104 Street, this 16-lane, 5-pin bowlerama has been rolling along since 1960, and not much has changed over the years. Take a step back in time with Betty, Veronica and Archie. It still relies on the tried-and-true manual scoring, so you can brush up on your math while you bowl.
I am hoping you might consider participating in this event and putting together a team of four and raising at least $600.
We already have some fantastic prizing – donated by “Bell”. And for those of you who have attended my parties in the past, you know I like to ensure that everyone leaves with a prize!
I will have more information in the next week or so. If you are interested in hearing more about this event, please let me know and I will add you to my list. If I don’t hear from you, I won’t send additional information.
Enjoy this beautiful evening! And thanks for considering this.
Please use my personal e-mail address (khuising@telus.net) as the contact for anyone looking for more information. I would like confirmation of participating teams by Friday June 4th and monies submitted by Friday June 11th.
Katherine Huising
Director
Jubilee Auditoria of Alberta
Avenue and Alleys Pledge Form
Posted in Alberta Avenue, Art, Events, Love | Comments Off
