Artist brightens up both parish and community in Hoosick Falls

The changing displays are the result of a unique parish program initiated last year that provided for an artist in residence to be part of the parish staff.

And it is obvious to everyone that since she took the job, Aelish Nealon has made some innovative changes.

Much to do

* a labyrinth for sacred walking where parishioners can come to meditate and reflect on God and their own spirituality;

* a photography contest, "The Soul of Community," through which parishioners will be asked to go out into the larger community to take pictures of what they believe to be the essence of their community;

* a community family album, highlighting the pictures taken during the contest;

* a 12-week workshop to encourage people to become more creative;

* a four-week photo journaling workshop to encourage people to combine the aspects of photography and journaling for creative results;

* sculpture and multi-cultural mask-making workshops for children;

* a shadow box workshop for women; and

* a mosaic class.

Art and faith

"It is always thrilling to me to be part of a community which has come together for creative expression," she told The Evangelist. "I love art, and to be able to help others appreciate it and participate in it is always exciting."

According to Ms. Nealon, her parish initiated the artist in residence program primarily due to Father Cioppa.

"His vision for the parish took into consideration the words of the document of the Second Vatican Counsel which calls for art expression within the realm of Church activities," she said. "If it wasn't for Father Cioppa, I wouldn't be doing this."

Talent

Believing strongly in what she does, she sees her task as creating an atmosphere for artistic expression and spirituality within the parish and that reaches out to the broader community. To further implement this vision, she supplements her parish program with invited speakers and guest artists who come into the parish and present programs throughout the course of the year. Currently being added to the agenda for the coming year are presentations on Mayan culture and local folk art.

Additionally, Ms. Nealon offers classes in art and painting to the parish school, public schools and adult community of Hoosick Falls.

"Our church is relatively small, as is the community of Hoosick Falls," she said. "Whenever we sponsor any program, we always open it to our neighbors. The underlying factor here is that all art is used to deepen the spirituality of each individual."

(09-07-00) [[In-content Ad]]