Christmas Art Sale to Benefit St. Michael’s
Stewardship is the act of attending to God’s gift in order to do God’s work.
It is easy to forget that each one of us is born with the blessing of our Creator, and that no matter how great our talents or how few our financial or other resources, that blessing accompanies us throughout our lives, sometimes making it possible for us to change others’ lives, sometimes making it possible for us to be the recipients of others’ largesse. Whatever its form, whether given or received, a gift that comes from one person or many can, and often does, make a difference to both the giver and the recipient.
Recently, Elise Ritter-Clough, a local artist who has been part of several exhibitions curated by St. Michael’s Arts & Faith Ministry, including “The Divine Feminine” show, happened to read about St. Michael’s current stewardship campaign and, upon learning about the parish’s challenges in finding sufficient funds for much-needed and costly structural repairs to the church building and the rectory, she contacted me to ask about donating several of her artworks to help raise the necessary monies through a Christmas art sale. The four other artists who comprise Elise’s group, known as the “Studio 10 Artists”—Linda Maldonado, Elisabeth (Beth) Hudgins, Kathleen (Kat) Jamieson, and Deborah Taylor—then came forth to pledge donations of their own work to the cause. Also participating is Kentucky-based photographer and writer Kevin Nance, who has donated a print of one of his river images. Joining them are parishioner and watercolor painter Cindy Warkentin and parishioner and fiber artist Helen Hines.
The blessing of one person with an idea to come to St. Michael’s aid by offering her artwork for a benefit sale is all that was needed to inspire other artists to do the same, and I am pleased to note that “Stewarding God’s Gifts: A Christmas Art Sale” will take place, beginning December 3. Proceeds from this sale will help St. Michael’s not only meet its financial obligations for much-needed repairs but also its commitments to its considerable and well-known mission and outreach initiatives. Not only will the sale benefit St. Michael’s; it also will benefit the artists, who want to see their work supported, sold, and enjoyed, and it will benefit our many art enthusiasts who welcome the opportunity to add a beautiful, affordable work or works to their collections or to make a holiday gift to someone they love.
As you consider how the artists steward their artistic gifts, may you also consider how making a gift of art to yourself or someone you love will benefit St. Michael’s at a time when we most need to strengthen our sense of hope, belonging, and connection throughout our beloved community.
The Artworks
All of the artworks below are offered for sale on a first-come, first-sold basis, beginning December 3, and may be viewed on our website. The items will remain on sale until December 18, and must be picked up at St. Michael’s no later than December 22.If you wish to purchase an item, please contact the Parish Office at [email protected], or 703-241-2474. You may pay in cash; by check, payable to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.