Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| By Natasha Clark Assistant Managing Editor SPRINGFIELD Last year, the Mission Phoenix Arts Project was initiated as a means of expression for homeless and low income artists. On Dec. 15 the 2nd Annual Art Show/Sale, "Phoenix: Artistic Expressions From Our Diversity," will be hosted at Christ Church Cathedral, from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. "It's been awesome to see the level of work that has been coming out," Stephanie Bradshaw of Nehemiah Ministries, one of the major sponsors of the event, said. "Some are in a shelter, some of them are one pay check away from being homeless, some are in a stable environment. Eighty-five percent of funds go to the artists, 15 goes back to the ministries." Bradshaw said the idea for the art showcase came about a year and a half ago at a Nehemiah Ministries board meeting. Many of the artists are guests of the Loaves and Fishes program hosted at Christ Church Cathedral. Linda Shepley, who is active in many city programs, including the activist group Arise for Social Justice, offers art instruction two afternoons a week in the basement of the Cathedral. The program provides on a drop-in basis free space, supplies and instruction. "She is very familiar with various causes. She is a friend to the homeless. We thought it was a great fit. She's been teaching and we've been paying her, but the money for that has run out and she's still been coming," Bradshaw said. Nehemiah Ministries was founded in 2002 for programs such as this. Bradshaw said the organization was started by "a group of non-Springfield residents who felt God moving us to live in the city. We try to love our neighbors and do ministries in the city." With a house on both Union and Dartmouth Streets, tenants include homeless citizens, low-income residents and ministry volunteers. Residents get together during the week for a community meal, Bible study and prayer. Nehemiah Ministries also collaborates with local colleges and host discussions with students about problems in the city through a biblical perspective. "A lot of the students that we have are coming from Amherst College and UMass, these really great learning institutions where they are taught 'do you,' 'make it big.' We're not saying don't have a job, but think about if you are saying you are a Christian, how are you going to use that to help other people," Bradshaw explained. She encourages members of the public to come out and support the artists and what the art show represents. "We're all just people. Hopefully we'll make some money to be able to keep the program going and give people beauty to look at," she added. "Phoenix is the mystical bird that burns and rises from the ashes." "Phoenix: Artistic Expressions From Our Diversity" will feature artwork, crafts for sale, refreshments and Terras Irradient, Amherst College's co-ed Christian a cappella group, will perform an evening concert at 6 p.m. The day-long event will take place at Christ Church Cathedral, 35 Chestnut St. |