Works of Faith show goes ‘Up to the Mountain’

When artist Rollin Karg studied art from ancient cultures, he realized that many pieces reflected the artist’s faith. In 2005, Karg and his wife, Patricia, were inspired by these examples of faith-based art and decided to create an exhibit to showcase pieces with Christian influences and themes. Eleven years later, the Works of Faith art show has become not only an annual event for the gallery but a treasured Easter tradition for many visitors.

“Making that personal and spiritual connection is what makes the show special to us,” Rollin Karg says.

The 11th annual Works of Faith show, “Up to the Mountain,” debuts Friday with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. The show features 10 local and out-of-state artists and showcases a variety of artwork, from paintings to woodworking to metal.

Show organizer Julie Wallace says the name of this year’s show was based on the many Bible verses that reference Mount Zion.

“Mount Zion is thought of as the closest place to God,” Wallace says. “It’s thought of as the holy spot, and we wanted the show to be like that, climbing to praise God.”

The Kargs and Wallace say they look forward to the opening night reception, when guests and artists will have a chance to mingle. The reception is free, and children are welcome. Guests will also be able to watch Wichita artist Audrey Schultz perform a live painting demonstration from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Schultz has shared her work and her faith through the show since its beginning. For years, she was a professional painter who created murals in homes, but when she started focusing on personal pieces, she found she enjoyed incorporating Christian themes.

“I’d still pray and represent Christ through whatever I painted,” Schultz says. “But in my own time, the faith-based work really came naturally.”

For the live painting demonstration, Schultz will create a 3-by-4-foot painting of Jesus on Palm Sunday. She decided to paint a more celebratory scene this year to match the lively atmosphere of the event.

“I’ve done the somber, dark paintings of Good Friday,” Schultz says. “I wanted to focus on the joy and celebration of Easter.”

Schultz says she hopes the event reminds those who attend that Easter is about second chances.

It’s this variety and display of faith that Wallace thinks makes the show so special – especially during the Easter season.

One piece that made an impact on her was the “Crown of Thorns” designed by artist Noel Willis. The piece is made of vines and branches with 2- to 3-inch-long thorns.

“It’s just so realistic,” Wallace says. “It really drives home the Easter story.”

This story was originally published March 17, 2016 at 2:35 PM with the headline "Works of Faith show goes ‘Up to the Mountain’."