Faith, Art, and Beauty: A Year of Creativity and Worship
Art has always been a passion of mine, but this year, I’ve been thinking more about how to connect it to my faith. How can the things I create with my hands be used for God’s kingdom? How can art help others see His beauty? These questions have shaped much of my experience as a Fellow in Greensboro, where I’ve had the opportunity to explore how faith and creativity intersect. One of the most meaningful experiences has been being a part of the Artist Guild at Church of the Redeemer. This year I have admired how Amelia and the team incorporate art into the church, making worship feel more alive and engaging. This year, it has been a privilege to serve on the Artist Guild leadership team. One of my favorite projects was creating artwork for the sanctuary during Advent, based on our weekly readings from the minor prophets. This project was a deeply reflective experience, allowing me to meditate on Scripture while creating something that enhanced the worship space for others. Beyond creating art for the church, I’ve also loved helping plan future Artist Guild events. One of the highlights was helping plan a pottery workshop led by Scotty Humphries, where I had the chance to participate alongside two other fellows, Peyton and Gayle. Pottery has always reminded me of how God shapes and molds us, and witnessing others experience that hands-on connection with creation was incredibly rewarding.
Finding Beauty in Creation
Another thing I’ve deeply appreciated this year is getting to experience the beauty of God’s creation in Greensboro. Nature has always been a huge source of inspiration for me, and this city is full of incredible parks, trails, and green spaces. One of my favorite places has been the greenway near JD’s house, where I did most of my long runs while training for a marathon I ran last month. When I first arrived, I was amazed by how green Greensboro is. Watching the seasons change has been a constant reminder of God’s creativity. Simply being outside, walking through the parks, and noticing the small details has helped me feel more connected to Him.
Creating Spaces for Worship
Along with helping out the Artist Guild, my job doing landscaping and maintenance at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center has been another place where I’ve seen faith and beauty come together. St. Francis is such a peaceful space where people come to rest, pray, and encounter God. Being part of maintaining its beauty and creating a welcoming atmosphere has been an incredible experience. I’ve come to realize how much of an impact a space can have on someone’s ability to connect with God. Just as an artist carefully shapes their work, the way we care for the spaces around us matters. Whether through art, nature, or hospitality, I’ve learned that creating beauty is a form of worship.
Grateful for the Journey
As we enter the final months of Fellows, I find myself incredibly grateful for all the ways I’ve been able to connect my faith with my art. From creating artwork for the sanctuary to planning events, from exploring Greensboro’s parks to helping maintain the peaceful atmosphere of St. Francis, I’ve seen how beauty can serve as an act of worship. I don’t know exactly where this journey will take me next, but I want to keep creating, keep learning, and keep finding ways to use art to draw people closer to God. Whether through painting, pottery, or simply appreciating the world around me, I hope to reflect His beauty in everything I do. I’m excited to see where He leads me next.
-Hartley Keown