Students find inspiration in “Joy in Trial”
According to James 1:2-4, when facing trials, “consider it pure joy” because it “produces perseverance,” which then allows a person to become “mature and complete, not lacking in anything.” It was this particular quote that inspired members from The Porch and SCAD’s Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) to come up with an art show based on this verse.
The gallery, “Joy in Trial,” features artwork produced by SCAD students, which follows the theme of overcoming hardships. There was a wide variety of work ranging from photography to sculpture to mixed media. The gallery opened last night at The Porch, which is the college ministry of Bull Street Baptist Church, located between 31st and Drayton.
Kat Morgan, who was one of the students responsible for creating the show, said that the timing of the opening was perfect in light of the events that have happened nationwide in the past week. She along with the other organizers, Jordyn Moss and Joshua Callandret, were thrilled to “join forces” with the RUF. Morgan explained that in the past, there had not been as much interaction between The Porch and RUF because both were “self-sufficient entities.” When the two groups attended the night watch during Easter, they decided on coming up with more events that joined them together.
In a span of a few weeks, the organizers were able to collect over a dozen submissions to display in The Porch. The organizers were even faced with the problem of not having enough space to feature the pieces. Eventually, they used the hallways leading up to the gallery to display the work as well. The artworks were also available for sale. The profits would go directly to the students who made them.
Everything, according to Morgan, was organized and produced for the students. “Except for the space,” she said, adding that The Porch was built with the intention of using it as a gallery space and student center.
Aside from the “Joy in Trial” gallery, The Porch has upcoming events in store for students and members such as a show featuring work done by motion media and film students and a senior gallery.
For now, students, members, and guests will be able to enjoy the work produced by students who prove that their perseverance can lead to inspiration.
