Art Against Oppression Artists Represented in SWIC Show

Child Soldier (Detail) by Armando Heredia | Falling Whistles Exhibit

Inhuman Malice by Jonathan Schellhardt | Falling Whistles Exhibit

Art Against Oppression pieces, "Child Soldier" and a new print from the Freedom Series titled SYRIA: The Price of Freedom by Armando Heredia and Inhuman Malice by Jonathan Schellhardt were accepted into the SWIC Student show and will be on exhibit at the Schmidt Art Center in Belleville, IL.

The exhibit opens Thursday, April 19 with a reception from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. and will run through May 3, 2012.

Schmidt Art Center | 2500 Carlyle Avenue
Belleville, IL 62221 | (618) 222-5ART

Hours of Operation
Mon & Tues: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thurs: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 11am – 5 p.m.

Am I Confusing My Mission with the Great Commission?

I am a pastor. I am and artist. I am an activist.

Sorry for the very narcissistical introduction, but I have been seeing these things begin to merge and I am not sure if I should be concerned.

This summer I will be traveling with a group of artists to raise awareness of social issues like slavery, child abuse and oppression. Is that something I should see separate from my identity as a Christian? This endeavor will take me away from the local congregation I co-pastor for up to six weeks.

On the other hand, we will be speaking at churches and in homes, to Christians and non-Christians, not just raising awareness but calling good people to action. Is that the work of the church?

Please feel free to comment. I am not posting this as a rhetorical statement. Are you an activist, a pastor, an artist? Where do you draw the distinction between one and the other? Or do you?