MCC Celebrates The Arts
Since Monroe Community Church first configured its warehouse to display artwork in 2009, it has not been without some sort of creative exhibit. MCC values creativity and expression, which is one way that people bear God’s image as mini-creators. We love to feature the work of artists, from professional to children, not in a gallery, but surrounding our congregation as part of the worship experience. This emphasis helps us reinforce our mission to “connect our downtown community to our life-changing God.”
Current Show
Our current exhibit features the work of past MCC ArtPrize artists and friends, Kate Meyer and Renee Therriault. Their work is notable for their use of encaustic wax and re-use of scrap metal. Stay tuned for a reception date! See more about each artist HERE
MCC Loves ArtPrize
We are a venue for ArtPrize, the world’s largest art competition that occurs every September and October in downtown Grand Rapids.
We have now enjoyed two jury finalists, in 2015 and 2017, and we were one of 5 “Outstanding Venue” finalists in 2017. For the past 4 years, MCC has also been a riddle site for the ArtPrize edition of the Grand Rapids Urban Adventure Race. Each year for ArtPrize, MCC conducts a 4-week worship series entitled “Meet the (a)Artist”, where the worship themes are derived from 4 of the venue’s ArtPrize entries. A creative team curates the worship service elements: music, scripture, and sometimes multi-sensory activities to support the artist and the theme of their work. As part of the sermon, our pastor discusses the artwork with each artist and then unpacks a biblical response to the themes in each piece of artwork.
Our ArtPrize venue site has updated details, events, times, and dates about each year’s ArtPrize exhibition.
ArtPrize Links
Rapid Growth Article
Monroe Community Church builds community through ArtPrize - Read Here
Wood TV Article
ArtPrize juror calls venue the ‘perfect surprise’ - Read Here
culturedGR Article
When the little guy wins but still loses—he still wins - Read Here
The Christian Century Article
When art comes to church - Read Here
West Michigan Christian News Article
Grand Rapids Church More Than Ready for “Art Prize” - Read Here
ArtPrize 2018
We are so excited to have had artists from ArtPrize join us here at MCC this past year. To learn more about each and when they will be here, click below. And be sure to come back for ArtPrize 2020!
