In The Living
Room: Downtown

By: Kelley Sullivan

I first heard of In the Living Room, a 7-week artist intensive offered by the Center for Faith & Work, in a service on Redeemer’s Upper West Side before the downtown congregation was a reality.

I was blessed in September and October with the opportunity to be a part of the first creative cohort specifically for Downtowners, and it was so incredibly full of talent and inspiration.

Our group was comprised of sculptors, artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, designers, and actors to name a few. Over the course of seven weeks, guest speakers shared their experiences with Christ’s role as an arbiter of beauty, creation, and renewal and discussed the intersection of artistry and spirituality. One session that particularly resonated with me was themed Artist as Theologian and led by Center for Faith & Work Executive Director, David H. Kim.  Kim pointed out that imagination is critical for living faithful lives as artists. We are charged with the responsibility of helping others imagine the world differently, and in turn advance the Kingdom by inspiring faith.

I’ve seen this notion play out in my own life as I view art that moves me. During my last visit to the Whitney Museum I spent time studying the drawings of Edward Hopper. Talent so raw and real can only come from above. As Kim stated, all good, beautiful, lasting things are from the Creator of the universe. Imagination is an integral part of creation and I continue to be wowed by this powerful gift.

The intensive concluded with a commissioning from Redeemer Downtown Pastor John Lin to use our talents to share the beauty and richness of the Kingdom, a message that will stay with me as I continue grow both in my faith and as a writer.