Rushing Water, by Janet Kelman
One of the pleasures of being part of the Ann Arbor Jewish community is meeting people engaged in fascinating intellectual, political, musical, and artistic endeavors. Recently, the Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation (AARC) had an opportunity to showcase the artistic talents of its members in an exhibit at the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor. The range and quality of the work on display were impressive.
According to Rabbi Gabrielle Pescador, “Last year, the Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation (AARC) launched AARC Creatives, giving members of our community an opportunity to share their creative work and talk about their artistic process. This year, we wanted to build on that idea by creating an exhibit. Since the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation—the home of AARC’s High Holy Day services—displays artwork throughout its building, we asked whether they might be open to exhibiting work by AARC members. They enthusiastically welcomed the idea and generously offered some of their exhibition space.”
Many wonderfully creative people in the AARC community—artists, artisans, and makers working in a wide range of media—embraced the opportunity to participate. AARC Executive Director Elizabeth Brindley served as the point person and coordinator for the exhibit. “ It’s been wonderful to see the immense talent of our congregants, and the variety of emotions and moments captured in their pieces,” comments Elizabeth. “The High Holidays are a time for reflection, and I think our Art Exhibit added to the depth and meaning of our High Holy Days together.“
Here are some of the featured artists and artworks:
- Alan Haber, a carpenter, exhibited a peace table that was used at The Hague Appeal for Peace in 1999 and hosted Nobel Peace Prize winners and, since then, notables of many faiths and traditions.
- Margot Neuhaus, a painter, sculptor, and photographer, displayed two photographs: Galapagos and Sandwater.
- Leora Druckman, an emerging ceramic and multimedia sculptor, exhibited several examples of her work
- Jack Edelstein displayed designs that incorporate the ancient symbol of yin and yang—also known as the Taijitu or Cosmic Dyad—an emblem of complementary polarity.
- Janet Kelman, a glass artist, displayed a piece titled Rushing Water.
- Paulo Neuhaus, a digital photographer, displayed photographs of peonies in his Ann Arbor garden and a flamenco dancer in Málaga, Spain.
- Idelle Hammond-Sass, a sculptor, jewelry maker, and painter, displayed a necklace and two watercolor paintings.
- Mollie Meadow, a talented high school student (and our youngest participating artist), displayed a ceramic vase she created at Interlochen Center for the Arts.
- Sally Goldberg, a ceramic artist who is a member of the Ann Arbor Potters Guild, displayed a raku mask.
Love Hate, by Jack Edelstein
Painting by Idelle Hammond-Sass
