- October 22, 2008 -

WHO:
Nehemiah Ministries, Inc. and the Phoenix Arts Project, invite the public to the third annual Phoenix Art Show and Sale: "Beauty from Brokenness"

WHAT:
Emerging artists from Springfield's homeless and low income population will showcase 100 new works including acrylic, pastel, and water color paintings, sketches, and sculpture. The show will feature among others, work from Leonor Rivera, Jessie Shamika-Serrano, Arthur Smith, Bernard Jones, Caren McKenzie, Migdalia Vasquez and Georgieanne Lasarus. Live music and poetry at 4;00 p.m will include a performance by Bizz Zoc 7, a member of the International Poetry Slam championship Boston Team, and will be headlined by the prominent local gospel neo soul performer Soft Spoken Prophet . The one-day show will also feature hand crafted goods from local crafters and the pulse cafe serving snacks beverages and dinner. Crafters can reserve a table at the event for $15. For more info please call (413) 313-1323

WHEN:
Saturday, November 15, 2008 (2:30-8:30 PM)-
3:00 P.M - ideal time for media presence

WHERE:
Christ Church Cathedral, Springfield
[35 Chestnut Street, Springfield MA]

WHY:
To present creative beauty and developing talent from Springfield's diverse population, build bridges and enhance community among local residents, and to build further support for the project.

The Phoenix Arts Project is an artist collective emerging from Springfield’s marginalized population to give witness to new life being birthed in the midst of hardship. Guests and staff of the Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen have been gathering twice weekly for artistic expression and exploration with free supplies and instruction provided by Nehemiah Ministries, Inc, a local non-profit community development organization. In its 3rd year the project has catalyzed a critical mass of artists who’s growing self-confidence, friendship, and artistic talent are giving a face and voice to a whole population of underprivileged brothers and sisters, and giving testimony to the redemptive possibilities for Springfield as a whole.

Please consider doing an article about the project! Sessions are Tues. and Thurs. 1 - 3:00 pm, downstairs at Christ Church Cathedral, and Mondays 1:00 "“ 3:00 pm in the dining hall at Worthington Street Shelter. Contact us at 413-732-7778 about coming down and visiting a session in progress. Thank you,

Phoenix Arts Project (phoenixartsproject.org )

The Phoenix Arts Project in an initiative of Nehemiah Ministries Inc. that gives Springfield's marginalized residents therapeutic and hope-building respite from life's hardships, as well as a face, voice, and connection with mainstream society by providing free art supplies and instruction and showcasing selected pieces for sale to the public. The project is part of a comprehensive mission of facilitating the interaction of people and art to build community across various dividing lines and nourish personal and social revitalization within our city. By making artistic exploration, expression, and education accessible to Springfield's diverse population we seek to raise up new local artists who will join together with existing artists in giving witness to the redemptive possibilities for Springfield. Since its inception in 2006 we have grown from a handful of transient participants experimenting with free art supplies, and a show featuring 40 pieces in the first year, to become an on-going program with free art instruction in a variety of mediums, serving anywhere from 20 to 35 participants at a time, between two sites, and a community of 8 "“ 12 consistent artists. We have a vision of establishing additional sites in several key neighborhoods, that target both youth and adults from Springfield's diverse population. We are also working towards opening our own permanent art space that will serve as a hub for an expanding artist community and our creative work throughout the city.

Nehemiah Ministries Inc. ( Nehemiah-Ministries.com )

Nehemiah Ministries, Inc. is a Christian organization that takes its name from the leading figure of the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah was an Israelite leader born in exile under the Persian Empire who, when he learned of the devastation of his ancestral homeland, used his position to secure resources from the king for the rebuilding and revitalization of his community. Our ministry is rooted in the Gospel and based on the model exemplified by this Biblical saint. It is our conviction that, as priveleged Christians, we have abandoned our neighbors in the inner cities, and we challenge ourselves and the broader church to model an incarnational lifestyle of relocation, redistribution, and reconciliation in these hurting communities. Thus, we seek to obey the Great Commission by embodying the Kingdom of God in community and by proclaiming the Good News through example rather than mere persuasion.

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