The Church for many years was at the forefront of creativity, especially in music and art.
Church buildings up and down the country and in the diocese, display wonderful murals and stained-glass art that draw visitors in from far and wide.
As well as the permanent creative features our churches offer a great space to celebrate creativity and collaborate with present-day artists and craftspeople to host events and exhibitions.
In May, St Alban’s Church in Hindhead will be hosting ‘A Journey from Brokenness to Restoration’, an exhibition of 14 exquisite faith-based embroideries by Dr Romola Parish.
Romola trained at the Royal School of Needlework and will be hosting some free launch events at the church on Saturday 4 May. These include two ‘Creative Contemplative’ sessions (booking is required due to limited space) and a cheese and wine evening where she will be talking about the techniques and creative processes used to bring the embroideries to life.
Past the initial launch events, the exhibition will be open to the public for a further two weeks during the day – 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 1pm-5pm on Sundays – ending on Sunday 19 May.
“We are delighted to be hosting this wonderful exhibition.” Says Revd Richard Bodle, Vicar of St Alban’s. “Our mission statement is ‘welcoming everyone, following Jesus and sharing life’, so we look forward to welcoming people from far and wide. As we enjoy Romola’s work and celebrate other needlework-related art, we will be inspired to reflect on a God of creativity and beauty, who gives such an amazing array of gifts.”
St Alban’s is adding its name to a list of notable churches across the UK to have hosted Romola’s exhibition, including St David’s Cathedral and St Beuno’s Centre.
Romola says, “I am especially delighted when those who borrow my work make their own stories from it, rearrange them, see things in them that I haven’t. That is what keeps me stitching in faith, and sharing what I hope is something that everyone can make their own.”
If you wish to attend or invite others to the ‘A Journey from Brokenness to Restoration’ exhibition it is taking place at St Alban’s Church in Hindhead from Saturday 4 May to Sunday 19 May. Full details can be found on St Alban’s website.