Expressing inner beauty
through art forms
Unitarian Church to hold crafts sale
by Liz M. Zylwitis
Staff Writer
Some members of the Unitarian Universalist
Church of Silver Spring say art is a wonderful way to celebrate
the goodness of mankind.
They will reveal their inner beauty at
an art and crafts sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 20 and 21. The
sale features an abundance of handmade creations, ranging from $300
watercolor paintings to $5 hand-painted gift cards and tags.
With Christmas ornaments, handmade soaps,
candles, dolls and decorated T-shirts, the sale could be a great
opportunity for holiday shopping. But there is more to it than that
said the church’s minister.
“Artistic expression is a very important
part of our faith,” said Kerry Mueller, interim minister.
“We do Saturday night coffeehouses and things like this throughout
the year, because it shows we believe the real world is a good place.”
Mueller, a 1994 graduate of American University’s
Wesley Seminary, came to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Silver
Spring in September to help it prepare for new leadership. Her last
post was Cedarhurst Unitarian Universalist Church in Finksburg,
where she began her career.
During her short time in Silver Spring,
she plans to help the church come to terms with its history, update
its identity, renew denominational ties and change direction.
From what she has seen, the church is
in a very exciting time of growth and change. Membership is currently
at about 270 where it seems to have plateauted, but with six new
visitors at every service, it is expected to be on the rise soon.
The church was founded in the early 1950s
, when services were held in the home of a member on Powder Mill
Road. When the church moved to its current site, it was first housed
in a stable. Now it occupies a modern complex of buildings linked
by stairs and walkways.
The art and crafts sale is one of the
church’s longest running fund-raisers. It has been taking
place off and on for about a dozen years. In its first year, the
sale raised only a couple hundred dollars through donated items
and a percentage of the profits. Nowadays, it brings in close to
$1,000, enough to install gallery lighting and hooks from which
to hang artwork, and still have money left over.
Many of the artisans taking part this
year also have been involved in past sales. Recently, a group of
them got together in the church sanctuary to share their reasons
for joining the church and discuss how they have benefited from
its principles.
“The Unitarians and Universalists
have a 400-year history. They merged in the early 1960s, because
their beliefs were similar, and they could no longer survive on
their own,” Mueller said. “Universalists believe that
all souls are reconciled to God. Unitarians were attracted to the
thought that all should eat at God’s table. Although both
groups had very similar beliefs, they were socially different. Unitarians
were upper class who did not believe in hell. Universalists were
lower class, people of the heart.”
Sally Harris, a graduate of Corcoran School
of Art who started her career as an elementary school art teacher,
joined the church 30 years ago. She was looking for a place that
would provide her daughter with a liberal religious education, but
eventually found that the church offered equally important benefits
for her.
As time went on, she saw her own commitment
to the church grow due to the intellectual stimulation, friends
and fellowship she found there. Its large gatherings, which she
is fond of, offer her the chance to interact with others.
And while the church helped her to grow
personally, it also provided a place where she could hang and sell
her artwork.
At this year’s sale, Harris will
offer hand-painted gift cards with garden scenes and landscapes.
She creates stained glass as well.
Local artisan Petronella Cochnar, also
a longtime member of the church, recognizes the importance of teaching
children to contribute to society by making the best use of their
minds.
Cochnar has made hand-built and wheel-thrown
pottery for more than 40 years. She will offer bird-houses, mushroom
sculptures and kitchenware at this year’s sale.
Pamela Reid used to work with Cochnar
as a mental health specialist in the District’s Youth Services
Administration. She now teaches disabled people of all ages in D.C.
how to reap the therapeutic benefits of art.
Cochnar convinced her to come to the church
three and a half years ago.
Although she has never become an official
member of the church, she has applied its teachings to the rest
of her life and committed as much time to its programs as her schedule
allows.
“The church is very accepting, community
based, earth involved and active. Not many churches would allow
me to retain my membership at the church I grew up in,” said
Reid, who will be featuring her Celtic designs.
Among the other artisans whole works will
be on display at the sale are Lucille Rowe, known for her watercolors;
Sandra Dwiggins, a potter; and Susan Shurer, who created knit and
fabric ornaments.
The show will highlight about 10 artisans
in all.
The Unitarian [Universalist] Church of
Silver Spring is at 10309 New Hampshire Ave.
Reprinted with permission from the Gazette,
Takoma Park Edition |
