Kimmich Art & Design

To All My Artist Friends

2012-12-01T14:01:00.000-05:00

If you're a Christian and an artist pursuing a career in the art field, why not pursue God first and ask why He gave you the gift you have? There are no two gifts that are alike, so we're pretty safe in knowing that we have a unique and specific calling. Don't you want to know what that is? We will never be satisfied in our creative endeavors until we are in alignment with what God wants to do with that gift. When we stop trying to make a name for ourselves is when God can finally do His work through us. Who knows, maybe you were created to be the next C. S. Lewis or Rembrandt of our generation? But until we sacrifice our desires for what God's plans are will we ever become truly fulfilled and successful.

What Do You Have to Trade?

2012-07-26T09:46:00.000-04:00

While looking through my collection of paintings this week, and realizing that they're not doing any good just sitting in a garage, I decided to distribute to my friends the ones that I'm ready to let go of. Some are from when I lived in San Diego, others are from when I first moved to Lancaster in 2006. They all have a story to tell and the stories have been kept silent for too long.

So, for the next few weeks I'll be uploading these paintings one at a time to my blog. I will let them go to a new home in exchange for what you have to trade. It may be something small like a book or a bottle of wine, or maybe theater tickets, a canoe or a service that you could offer from your business. Be creative! This is an incredible opportunity to own an original piece of art.

When you see a painting you'd like, list the painting and your item for trade in the comments section below. I'll choose the best one and announce the winner on the blog. Don't forget to check back regularly.

"Naivety"

40" x 40" | Acrylic on canvas

This is a pretty old painting, but it still gets me every time I look at it. How dangerous it is to think we know it all. It is a privilege to have people speaking into our lives, especially pastors and mature Christians who have way more experience than us. So don't ever take people like that for granted. Every day we make a choice to respond to what the world has to say or what the Spirit says. What a waste of time to listen to the world. Speaking from experience, it's truly not worth it in the end.

"Flow"

18" x 24" each | Acrylic on canvas (framed)

I painted these pieces within the first couple months of moving to Lancaster from San Diego. My heart was aching for the chance to just drive to the beach (which I lived minutes away from my whole life) to breath in the fresh air that could calm me in a matter of seconds. To watch the beauty of each breaking wave and the seagulls flying above was therapy for me. I could now understand why they said Southern Californians are so laid back. It's a completely different world over here on the East Coast, but I'm okay with that. Still, I needed to get back to my roots of finding beauty in God's beautiful creation everywhere, enjoy His peace overwhelming my soul and just go with the flow in the midst of uncertain change.

"Seeing Through"

16" x 20" | Acrylic on canvas

What do you see when you look at this girl? Is she crying or laughing? I loved using this painting as a conversation piece to ask why people saw the emotion they did. Was there something in their life right now that made them see her as crying or laughing? Maybe they needed to see someone enjoying a good laugh to lift their spirits and that's why they saw what they did. Either way, it drew a lot of emotion from people and I loved being able to witness that.
-TRADED ALREADY-

"She Sells Sea Shells by the Sea Shore"

16" x 20" | Acrylic on canvas board

For the love of the ocean and the beauty of wet, colorful shells.
-TRADED ALREADY-

"Shield of Faith"

36" x 24" | Acrylic on Canvas

This painting was done for a sermon series based on Ephesians 6:10-18, where we are called to put on the full armor of God in order to take a stand against the devil's schemes. This one is a reminder to always put on the shield of faith in order to fight off all attacks from the evil one. As soon as you see them coming your way, you have the power and will be given the strength to fight them off with the Spirit's help before they penetrate your heart. Stand firm and pray in the Spirit on all occasions.

Some Pinterest Inspiration

2012-06-11T14:43:00.000-04:00

Being a visual person, I finally figured out that if I'm ever in need of inspiration these days I just check out the images on Pinterest. I found one idea for a menu board that helped me come up with this project. I am in love with it now. It truly helps me be more intentional about my day and making it fun and purposeful for my kids. I just select new activities for us each day under "Mommy & Me Time," "Just Me Time," and "Creative Time." We've had so much fun already!

Monster Party!

2012-06-04T15:06:00.000-04:00

My son is really into monsters right now, especially feeding cookies to the ones in his closet. So, why not encourage his creativity in thinking they're fun monsters instead of scary ones and make him a monster cake for his birthday this year? I never thought it would be as much fun as it was, so I'm planning on having a play date sometime soon where all the kids get to create their own monster cupcake! All you need are different shapes and colors of candy, marshmallows, icing pens and you're set!

The Visual Gospel

2012-04-09T09:54:00.000-04:00

Scarlet Steps this year far exceeded my expectations and I have no idea how we're going to top it next year. The gospel was presented through a variety of impressive mediums, styles, and expressions but all with one intentional message -- God sent His Son, for you and for me, to die on a cross. He was then resurrected by God as it was predicted by the prophets in the Old Testament, and those who believe in Him will have their sins forgiven and will be with Him forever.

To see the Gospel presented in a visual way like this was amazing. Each piece of art was well thought out and deeply moving. There were descriptions of the artwork next to each piece so you got an insiders view into the artist's creative process. Below is the piece I did this year.

"For All Who Fear Him"

Acrylic on Canvas

My painting below is based on Acts 10:34, 35 where Peter realizes how God shows no favoritism to anyone. Christ died for every sinner, no matter what culture, gender or background.

For more pictures of the event, go to our website at www.scarletsteps.com

Scarlet Steps 2012

2012-03-26T13:31:00.004-04:00

I just completed my painting for this years Scarlet Steps. It wasn't easy, and many times I wanted to throw white paint over top of it so I could just start from scratch, but I persevered through it and allowed it to become what it was meant to say. It is nothing like I had sketched or planned ahead of time, so that's what made it frustrating. But it became something I could never have thought up by sketching it out. So, I'm hoping this is one of many future paintings that I just allow the Spirit to help me develop as I go.

The painting is based on Act 10:34, 35. If you want to see it, come check out Scarlet Steps on April 6th at the Quilt & Textile Museum!

FRIDAY, APRIL 6TH, 2012 • 12-9PM

Lancaster Quilt & Textile Museum
37 N. Market St. Lancaster, PA 17603

www.scarletsteps.com

Silent Art Auction - "Gift of Art"

2011-09-10T19:51:00.002-04:00

What began as a year-long art show, displaying the creative gifts that God has given the artists at our church, will now be all put on display at a local gallery to be auctioned off. The proceeds will go back to the Art Ministry to help fund our next major outreach event, Scarlet Steps which will be at the Quilt & Textile Museum on Good Friday. This year Good Friday falls on the same night as First Friday, where galleries and shops stay open late downtown. What an awesome opportunity our church will have to share the gospel and the events of Good Friday through art, when a major amount of Lancasterians will already be downtown.

This auction will also show off the talent and gifts that God has blessed many artists with at NewSong Fellowship. It will begin at 7pm and have a few different closing times to completely end at 9:30pm. You must be present to win so make plans to stay the whole night. There will be food, music and plenty of inspiring art to admire. To view the artwork that will be up for auction, go to www.newsongfellowship.net/artauction

Motherhood Series

2011-05-20T17:28:00.010-04:00

I just completed a new painting that begins a new series I'd like to do on Motherhood. Ever since I was pregnant with my first child I've had a desire to express what that experience was like for me through a series of paintings. Unfortunately, I lost the energy and creativity that I had before I was pregnant, so it never surfaced. But, now that I'm pregnant with my 2nd child, I'm finding it to be a very different experience. Especially since the need to express has surfaced like never before. I have never felt so many mixed emotions about having a baby than I have with this new pregnancy. I never imagined being in the place where I would say I was unhappy to be pregnant, but that's how I felt for 3 insanely long months. But after completing this new piece, and with God's help and insight, I came to finally accept and be proud to be given the opportunity to be a mother to another child. It truly is a blessing, honor and privilege to be a mother.

Below are a few pieces that have led up to the latest painting called "Motherhood."

"Motherhood"

Fabric pieces stitched on Acrylic painting

"Sweetest Gift"
Acrylic Painting on Wood

"Precious"
Fabric on Wood

"Welcome Home"
Acrylic on Wood

The Pursuit of Excellence in our Art

2010-11-18T09:29:00.006-05:00

On the most beautiful day in November, a couple of friends from the NewSong art ministry and I headed down to Philadelphia for the day to check out some art galleries. Our first stop was the one I was most excited about, White Stone Gallery. I had been to their gallery before when they were located in Lancaster, but soon after that they moved to Philly. I had also remembered talking with the owners a little bit and noticed how friendly and open they were so I was excited to see what conversations might come from having 3 other Christian artists with me when we arrived there. Nothing had changed. One of the owners, Susan Hooks, was there and still as friendly and willing to talk with us as if she knew us. She shared with us the process of going through entries they receive for a juried show they host each year and why they choose the particular art AND artist they include in the show. It's not always just because of the art. She also mentioned the challenges of representing a Christian gallery to a secular market and media, but with those challenges progress and change has started to happen in some of the people she's met. There have been times when visitors have been in tears after viewing some of the art and they didn't necessarily know what it was about or that Christ was behind the theme. I can only imagine the impact that this gallery has had on the public and hope to one day get back into the gallery scene to experience it for myself.

Aside from the encouragement of Susan, and inspiring artwork I saw that day at the many galleries we visited, I was definitely challenged as well. I have always struggled with artists that do the same subject matter over and over and over again. For instance, the show that was up at White Stone Gallery was all about divers. That was it! Every single painting was a diver in a different position. Despite the fact they were in beautifully arranged poses and made you feel the movement of the dive, I couldn't get past the fact that that was the whole show. So as the 4 of us were having lunch that day and enjoying some lively art discussion, it hit me. I was reminded by a comment Susan had made earlier about pursuing excellence in our art and not accepting anything less than that in other artist's work. One of the reasons Christian art has grown a bad reputation for being hokey or cheesy art is because we don't want to offend the artist who may not have much talent in that area, so we show their art and label it "Christian art." But if we went to a recital and had to listen to a "Christian" pianist butcher a piece by Wagner or Mozart, we'd get up and leave at intermission and probably never go to another recital by Christian pianists again. So, there is definitely a line that needs to be drawn between the artists pursuing art as a profession and those who just want to use art as their personal expression.

So, I have to remember this with my own art. Just because God has given me the ability to creatively express myself through painting doesn't mean that I can produce whatever I want and expect people to accept it because the inspiration was from God. I am required to pursue excellence in all that I do and remember that most of all, my art represents who God is, therefore, the end product must reflect excellence because that is who God is! And if this means doing the same subject matter over and over again in the pursuit to master that subject, then that is what I should do. The artist at White Stone Gallery definitely mastered the subject of divers, whether or not it was in pursuit of excellence, the entire show was evidence of an artist who had worked hard at refining their art.

IT'S AN ART "Move"MENT SALE

2010-06-25T17:41:00.002-04:00

My husband and I just moved and no longer have the studio space we once did so we're having a MASSIVE SALE on all my original artwork!!!

Never thought you could afford to buy original artwork? Well, now's your chance, and we can guarantee once you get started you won't stop. There's nothing like owning a home full of original pieces by your favorite artists that mean something to you and not just mass produced art that 1,000's of other people have in their living rooms as well.

All proceeds will go toward our family's missions fund for our next missions trip to . . . well, we don't know where yet, but we're already preparing for when God calls.

Check out what is already up for sale, and keep checking back for more pieces. There will be a total of 30 pieces with a couple uploaded each day. If you have a favorite and want me to hurry and list it, let me know and I will.

Article about Scarlet Steps

2010-03-30T13:27:00.002-04:00

Here's an article in this weekend's paper with a great write-up about Scarlet Steps by Joan Kern.

The third annual "Scarlet Steps" sacred art exhibit at NewSong Fellowship Church will focus on hands.

There will be hands that commit sins and the hands of Christ, "who died for our sins."

Perhaps the most compelling piece in the exhibit is Dan Milligan's "Jesus Laid in the Tomb" — a large acrylic painting, with a black background, of a crucified hand, red with blood.

The exhibit, also with hands from Easter scripture, will invite guests to contemplate "how our hands and His hands can come together."

NewSong's Inspire Arts Ministry will present the exhibit of 22 drawings, paintings, sculptures, collages, photographs and fiber art at the church, 609 Prospect St., from 5 to 9 p.m. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

Supervised art activities will be available for children age 4 and older.

For more information or to reserve free tickets, call 393-9600 or go to www.newsongfellowship.net/scarletsteps.

"Scarlet Steps" — a variation on the Stations of the Cross — takes its name from the trail of bloody footprints Jesus left on his way to Calvary.

It will feature 20 artists, including one teen. All but three of the artists are members of NewSong.

"We have a ton of artists," said the Rev. Brett Lovern, pastor of worship and arts.

Lovern, who is in charge of the exhibit, said he doesn't know why NewSong attracts so many artists but suspects it is because it is a young congregation.

"We're theologically conservative, but edgy," he said.

One of the young artists in the congregation is Ann Kimmich, NewSong's director of Inspire Arts Ministry, who is assisting Lovern in putting on the exhibit.

"We're driven by scripture but not afraid to keep up with culture," she said.

Kimmich, who resides in Lancaster city, moved here four years ago from San Diego.

"I came from a church that had a gallery, coffee shop, monthly art shows and art classes."

It was Kimmich, of Kimmich Art & Design, who suggested NewSong establish an art ministry. "Scarlet Steps" was its first project.

The exhibit, which attracted more than 500 people the first year and more than 600 last year, will be held in the church lobby, which will be draped in black curtains.

The atmosphere will be "quiet, contemplative, personal," Kimmich said.

The first section will feature works of art depicting modern-day sins. An example is Nicole Rosania's "Abuse," a detailed graphite drawing of a scared young girl.

The second section will feature hands depicting events from scripture that led up to Jesus' death on the cross.

Kimmich contributed "Betrayal," a fiber art portrayal of Judas' empty hands.

"He betrayed Christ for money, but in the end gave the money back and hung himself," she said. "It goes to show that what you think you want isn't always fulfilling."

The last stop in the exhibit is the sanctuary, which will be converted into a response room, with easels and other art supplies.

"(Guests) can, paint, draw or write a poem or a song," Kimmich said. "Or they can sit and pray."

Artists will be on hand to answer questions and discuss their work. Each piece in the exhibit will include an artist's statement: why the subject was chosen and how the piece was created.

NewSong gave the artists a list of subjects and let them pick from it.

"A lot of people picked something personal; things they've dealt with," Kimmich said. "That's why the artists' statements are so important."

The response room also will include recorded music and five videos of NewSong members talking about how Christ came into their lives.

The focus on hands began with a two-minute video that NewSong showed in a worship service. It will be on view in the lobby during the exhibit.

To the music of "Amazing Grace" and without narration, it flashes close-ups of hands in various settings with phrases or words such as "stole a pack of gum," "lies," "gossips," "doesn't show love" and ends with a hand nailed to a cross and the words "forgave them all."

"That's the kicker," Lovern said.

Scarlet Steps

2010-03-24T20:59:00.003-04:00

"Scarlet Steps: Sacred Hands"
NewSong Fellowship Church | 609 Prospect St | 17603

I'm very excited about Scarlet Steps this year. I've been dying to step out of my comfort zone and try a different form of art, but always back out at the last minute. Well, I finally did what I've been wanting to try for the last couple of years: fiber art. I've had a huge stash of fabric in my closet for over 3 years and finally broke it out to create the below piece. I'll be the first to admit I have a lot to work on since I'm not completely satisfied with the way the stitching turned out, but because I had a tight deadline, it is what it is.

Below is some information about Scarlet Steps if you live in Lancaster and would like to check the event out:

Scarlet Steps is a free, art-driven experience combining artwork by local artists, music, multimedia, and Scripture to illuminate the message of Christ in a fresh, new way. It will be held at NewSong Fellowship Church, on Thursday and Friday, April 1st and 2nd with tickets available from 5-9pm. This 3rd annual event will walk you through artist renderings of the life and death of Jesus Christ while giving you a new appreciation of both artistic expression, and Christ's life-changing sacrifice, specifically focusing on how our hands and His can come together. Scarlet Steps will inspire you to think beyond the traditional Good Friday message to explore the Passion of the Christ in a bold new way you'll never forget.

Inspire Art Ministry Art Show

2009-08-21T14:03:00.010-04:00

It's time to get back to painting! And there's a great show I'm getting ready for. My church's art ministry is having a show at Square One Coffee in September and I'm very excited about the theme: God of this City. I'm still playing with ideas of what I want to do, but I don't have much time left either, so wish me luck in getting it done in the midst of taking care of my newest addition.

If you live in Lancaster, check out the show next month and join us for our First Friday opening reception on September 4th from 6-9pm. Square One Coffee is located at 145 N. Duke St in downtown Lancaster.

It's a Boy!

2009-07-13T23:35:00.004-04:00

Here's the reason I've been MIA lately.

Worship through Artistic Means

2009-05-15T12:13:00.005-04:00

Tonight is another Inspire Worship night at church. We plan to have easels set up with paints and canvas' available for anyone to paint on, as well as butcher paper on all the tables to draw, write, collage, paint and/or pray while listening to a worship band play.

There's absolutely no need to be an artist or have any experience in art to participate. God has given every single person a creative spirit because we were made in His likeness. Is there a more awesome or amazing artist than God? All you have to do is look at a National Park, a West Coast sunset, a sunrise from Joshua Tree or learn about the development of a baby inside a mother's womb to be in awe of how beautifully everything in this world has been designed and created. That should be enough to know that God has given everyone the same ability to draw from inside themselves their own unique, personal form of expression that can be produced through a variety of artistic means, just waiting to be used and developed.

You'll never know unless you try, right?

INSPIRE WORSHIP NIGHT
7pm
@
NewSong Fellowship Church
609 Prospect St
Lancaster, PA 17603

Scartlet Steps Video

2009-05-07T11:50:00.005-04:00

Here's a snapshot of some of the artwork at the Scarlet Steps event.

All photos taken by Leann Brown.

Press!

2009-04-28T10:38:00.003-04:00

We got a great article in the paper, as well as a very nice news piece on Channel 11 the night of the event. I've tried finding a link to upload the actual news story, but it's not looking good. I'll keep trying.

I also uploaded all the artwork that was in the gallery, so if you couldn't make it, here's a little glimpse into the artwork made for the event (as well as photos of the rooms on the "Pictures" page).
www.newsongfellowship.net/scarletsteps

And here's my piece I promised to put up. Sorry it's a little late.

Scarlet Steps - Good Friday Service

2009-04-07T22:32:00.002-04:00

This week has been a big week for me. On Thursday and Friday night my church, NewSong Fellowship, is hosting their second Good Friday arts driven service called Scarlet Steps. If you live in Lancaster, I highly recommend attending. Check out their website to get tickets and for more information - www.newsongfellowship.net/scarletsteps

Gettin' Crafty

2009-04-05T22:33:00.004-04:00

Finding my creativity during this pregnancy has been like pulling teeth, but thankfully I've had a few projects that I've been able to do that have made me find that side again. One recent one was painting a tshirt for my friend's new baby, and another was attending a stamping party. I've never gone to a stamping party, or made my own card like that, but thoroughly enjoyed both! So, I created a card to go with the tshirt I painted and gave them both to my friend this weekend. It felt good to get some creativity back. (Hopefully it all comes back after the baby is born . . .)

First Friday at the Keppel Building

2009-03-26T09:01:00.007-04:00

For the last few months, a friend of mine and I have been teaching after-school art classes at a local school through the program HeadsUp. It was a great experience for us and we loved working with the students on the various projects. This next First Friday there will be an exhibit highlighting some of them who were involved in this program with their artwork on the walls. It's a great way to showcase the talent of these young students and get their parents more involved in the process. So, if you're out at First Friday in April, stop by the Keppel Building at 329 N. Queen St, on the 1st Floor. HeadsUp will also be showing off some of their other programs they offer, such as capoeira, hip hop and break dancing, so you don't want to miss it!

Back in the "Art Studio" (living room)

2009-03-18T09:16:00.004-04:00

I have another painting project that has kept me busy this week. Our church is holding it's second Good Friday arts event called Scarlet Steps in a couple weeks and I'm working on a piece based on the following scripture passages:

Is 53:12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

Matt 27:50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.

I've been excited to start working on this painting ever since I came up with a visual of what I wanted it to look like. I was so inspired during worship service one morning that I could fully picture it in my head of what I wanted it to look like. Well, I should have known it never works out that easily, so I've been struggling to return to the painting ever since I stopped working on it a couple nights ago to get some much needed sleep. And here I am with 4 days to go until it's due. I've been praying for all the other artists producing work for this event that God will speak to them through the preparation and production of their pieces and they'll be encouraged and strengthened during this time. But I guess I need to start doing that for myself since it's becoming quite a challenge to even want to look at the piece. I'm so unhappy with where it's at, but I know that God has used my paintings before when I was at this point with the others, so I'll just keep pressing on!

To see the finished product, as well as all the other art pieces being done by 18 artists from the community, get your tickets here online for either Thursday, April 9th or Friday, April 10th.

Just for Laughs - and Too True!

2009-03-17T14:26:00.004-04:00

If it's too small to read, click on the cartoon and it will open the original web page.

The Black Show

2009-03-10T19:28:00.006-04:00

This weekend at Spill the Beans Cafe in Lititz, I'll have a piece of art on display for "The Black Show." All artwork in the show by local artists will be based on activist themes, so I chose my skateboard art piece called "Trying to Love What I Blame" for it's attention to the pornography business and how it negatively effects a woman and her God given purpose in this world. The show is being executed by an arts collective in Lititz called Zeu, dedicated to the ideal of art created within a community and for a community. They are a small, loose collection of artists who meet once a month to discuss art, culture, group projects, and their own work.

The idea for this show evolved from shared ideas regarding a sort of DIY, broadly defined, support of activism. The themes and nature of the work will span mediums, scope, and style. Zeu and The Black Show are not interested in the promotion of any specific agenda, whether it be political, religious, etc. The purpose of the exhibit is to foster communication, awareness, and discussion within the community.

The opening is this Friday, March 13th at Spill the Beans Cafe at 43 E. Main St. in Lititz, PA.

Last Day to Buy Local Art w/Proceeds to Benefit Habitat for Humanity

2009-03-03T09:50:00.006-05:00

This is the last day the "Home Sweet Home" art show will be up at Square One Coffee. If you haven't gotten over there yet, you still have time to buy some great artwork that will warm your home as well as support a great local cause.

All artwork has been inspired by Habitat for Humanity's vision to eliminate substandard housing and provide hardworking families with the opportunity to own a decent, affordable home. Up to 100% of all art proceeds, as well as $1 of every pound of "House Blend" coffee sold will be given to the Lancaster Area Habitat for Humanity.

HOPE International Art Auction

2009-02-24T22:26:00.003-05:00

Calling all artists! HOPE International is in need of your paintings and other 2D or 3D media representing the theme “Finding Dignity and Beauty in the Midst of Poverty.”

HOPE invites amateur and professional artists alike to submit their high-quality, original art pieces for consideration for a benefit art auction that will raise money to provide microloans for hardworking entrepreneurs around the world who have been trapped in poverty. Pieces should be internationally-themed and representative of either HOPE’s clients or the countries where they reside.

Interested artists should first submit a completed participation form to HOPE International no later than April 15. Participation forms are available for download at www.hopeinternational.org. All original artwork should be prepared for presentation and sale and cannot be returned to the artists. Artists will receive exposure on HOPE’s website and in promotional materials for The Art of Giving. Works will be auctioned online and at a one-day art exhibition to be held June 5 in Lancaster, PA. Submissions will be accepted through May 1. Participation forms and artwork can be submitted to HOPE International, 227 Granite Run Drive, Suite 250, Lancaster, PA 17601.

For more information, visit www.hopeinternational.org. With questions, please email Lauren at lfischer@hopeinternational.org or call 717.464.3220 x140.