October 2, 2022 – 10:30 a.m.
Since the very first ArtPrize in 2009, Monroe Community Church has been creating worship experiences rooted in the felt needs, human conditions, pathos, and joy found in the art that we host. If we believe that humans are created in the image of God, then each of us testifies to the Creator by creating. Each Sunday morning during ArtPrize, our pastor and worship leader will interview the artist, who may or may not be a person of faith, unpack the motivations and meaning behind their ArtPrize entry, and then look to scripture and song for what the Bible and our rich musical tradition may say about similar themes.
Sundays, 10:30 a.m. @ 1020 Monroe NW
Week 2:
Taking a Moment to Breathe, Reflect, and Hope
Artist: Heather Briggs “The Exhale Project”
About the Art:
The Exhale Project
The Exhale Project is a collaboration between the artist and the community. Before the pandemic, over 200 handwritten notes were submitted to the project. The prompt sheet asked two questions, “What things are worrying you or giving you stress right now?” And, “What is inspiring you or giving you hope?” All of the responses were transferred onto origami paper using the cyanotype process, and folded into cranes. Over 550 paper cranes represent breath coming out of the base form. The lotus like vessel displays 12 portraits of people breathing out while their picture was taken. It was installed for the first time at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts in September of 2020. The latest installation at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, includes 46 of the anonymous note entries. Each note is handwritten. The age range spans from middle school to assisted living. No matter the age, The Exhale Project encourages viewers to take a moment to breathe and reflect.
About the Artist:
Heather Brigggs
Heather Briggs is a mixed media artist from Kalamazoo Michigan. In 2017, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Andrews University with a BFA in Photography. One of her favorite places is the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, where she grew up exploring all kinds of art mediums. She continues to enjoy experimenting and combining alternative photography, ceramics, origami and jewelry. Her passion is sharing her story of overcoming severe dyslexia and giving others a unique platform to share their stories, creativity and thoughts. Her series titled A Stupid Brilliance was displayed in ArtPrize 2017. She also received third place in the 2018 West Michigan Area Show. In 2019 she was excepted into the Kalamazoo Institute of Art Post-Baccalaureate Residency Program. This is where The Exhale Project came to life. The origami crane and portrait installation encourages the viewer to take a moment to breathe and reflect.
