Palestinian Art Show & Sale Coming to St. John’s

As part of our partnership with Christmas Lutheran Church and Bright Stars of Bethlehem, St. John’s is hosting an international exhibit of paintings by artists from Dar al  Kalima University College of Arts and Culture. It is the first college in the West Bank to provide a specialized program in the performing and visual arts as well as cultural heritage in  Palestine.

The 24 paintings will be displayed in Peeler Hall Oct.1 –Nov. 20, and all of the art is available for purchase.

A community reception is set for 7-9 pm Friday, October 9.  Light refreshments with a Palestinian theme will be served.  In addition to the art, photos from the 2015 St. John’s Holy Land trip will be on display as well as video presentations about Palestinian ministry activities. The art display will be the last stop on the Center for Faith and Arts Symbols tour on Sunday, October 2.

Dar al Kalima is a ministry of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, and is dedicated to providing  students of all backgrounds a quality education that meets the economic, social, cultural and spiritual needs of Palestine. The college works to cultivate a new generation of Palestinian artists as well as to provide new job                           opportunities for Palestinian students.

The school is a wonderful example of providing hope for Palestinians as evidenced by this quote from Rafat               Rashaydeh, a Dar al Kalima student: “I don’t want people who have passion to waste it, as I easily could have. I want to take  every one’s passion seriously and reach out to people who could benefit from the college. Eventually, I want to teach art. I want other people to have access to the same experience I have had.”

St. John’s members are encouraged to come to either of these events or just stop by and tour the art display. Invite friends and family to enjoy the art and learn more about how our Bethlehem ministries help provide hope to our brothers and sisters in Palestine.