Habitat for the Arts
A new and unusual venue for the arts will be created for the Twin Cities if the dreams of a church and two local arts groups are realized. "Habitat for the Arts" is an initiative in support of the arts undertaken jointly by Lutheran Church of the Reformation and Friends of the Arts in St. Louis Park. Its mission is
"to promote the growth and awareness of the arts in all their facets, and to contribute to the development of a vital and creative artistic space"
Converging Interests
"Habitat for the Arts" represents a convergence of interests between the sponsoring groups. The Friends of the Arts (FOTA) is committed "to supporting, promoting and enhancing the arts in St. Louis Park" by providing multi-generational and multi-cultural programs. FOTA would like to be able to do two art shows annually, rotating among community, juried, and emerging artist's shows. Representatives of these two groups are thrilled about the potential of the space the church will make available to them. The churches two buildings are distinctive and award winning designs by architect Curt Green of the Minneapolis firm HGA, a long time member of the congregation until his death last fall.Why a gallery in a church?
In opening its buildings and grounds for this purpose, the congregation's interest is threefold:
- first, to provide support to people who find the arts inspiring, engaging, provocative, memorable, and transforming, and who will consequently associate that kind of experience with the church;
- secondly, to provide an environment in which the arts and religious faith can be in creative dialogue;
- and finally, to integrate the arts into its program of outreach to the children of the multicultural community in our neighborhood.
The congregation emphasizes care of creation in its witness, and sees a strong connection in this project between creation and creativity in the concept of the beautiful, and between the care of creation and an artists work in their common respect for things as they are and as they sustain life.
Two gallery spaces
Two gallery spaces are proposed for Habitat for the Arts. The " Gallery of the Commons" will be developed in the fellowship space in the church's building, with emphasis on outreach to St. Louis Park and the greater community. A gallery called the "Imaginarium" is proposed for space in the church's sanctuary, in which the congregation will pursue its interest in the relationship of art and religion. Both galleries will be available for the major shows of the two arts organization.Our Needs
We do not yet have the lighting and hanging systems that we need . An estimated $10,000 must be raised to provide this. Please consider helping us out with a generous gift. You may make your check out to either of these organizations:
- FOTA - Friends of the Arts
- LCR - Lutheran Church of the Reformation
We are both legally recognized non-profit organizations, so your gift will be tax deductible.