Under One Roof - RESILIENCE - A Collaborative Art Experience
In early 2025, I met with Cheryl Langin and Lori Catlin Garcia to brainstorm ideas for a collaborative art painting entitled “Draw the Circle Wide” to be included in the Mandell JCC’s May 6 - June 27, 2025, exhibit, Under One Roof - Resilience. Jan Baker graciously donated fabric for the piece, and SUM parishioners made hearts and/or added their “mark” to the canvas, and the painting began to emerge.
Below is the artist’s statement:
Over the past several years, Simsbury United Methodist Church has faced several challenges that tested our resilience. COVID intensified the decline in church attendance, and the United Methodist denomination split over the issue of full inclusion for LGBTQIA members. However, at SUM, we unified under a vision to welcome everyone no matter who they are, whom they love, where they are from, how they identify, or whether they question or seek. We healed ourselves by continuing to reach beyond our borders to help people, strengthen our interfaith relationships, and support many other social justice issues.
Layers of paint, added and scraped back to expose words to the song, “Draw the Circle Wide” by Gordon Light music by Mark Miller, represent our congregations’ resilience and commitment to come together during times of controversy and division to heal ourselves and others. In the center of the circle, God, the creator of all life, is our foundation for strength, peace, love, wisdom, and joy. The perfectly imperfect circles, painted by parishioners of all ages, are ever-widening ripples that serve as metaphors for inclusiveness and community. Hearts emanate from the circle, spreading love throughout our congregation, community, and world.
Please join us for a free Artist and Organization Reception on Thursday, May 15 | 5:30-7:30pm | Chase Family Gallery
Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117
RSVP here. Online registration is preferred, but you can also just show up with a PHOTO ID (REQUIRED).
Contact Lori Racicot-Burrous if you have any questions.
-Lori Racicot-Burrous