The next community exhibition, Mending a Heart: One Brushstroke at a Time, demonstrates “painting through tragedy, tears, illness, despair, regrets, fear, forgiveness, courage, survival, joy, hope, and healing. It is amazing how creative grief and love can be,” says artist, Suzanne Accetta.

The Opening Reception will take place on Friday, September 5 from 6-8pm in the Sturgis Gathering Space. All are welcome to come and see the exhibition and meet the artist! The exhibit will be located on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Galleries at First Pres.

When: October 9, 2025 at 7:00pm

Where: Student Ministry Space at First Pres

Folk songs and stories are coming your way this fall as Joel Ansett celebrates with an anniversary tour of "The Nature of Us". Joel Ansett is an award-winning singer-songwriter known for his introspective lyrics and heartfelt live performances. His sound combines folk and R&B, and beyond the genre, Artist Review wrote: "this music is soul therapy." His steady grassroots approach as an independent artist continues to gain momentum, thus far earning him over 40 million streams online, a Lennon Award, and several song placements in film/tv. His latest album “Layers” provides an immersive listening experience about unseen relational barriers with strangers, loved ones, and God.

Ansett was the wonderful opening act for the Gray Havens' concert last year and we can't wait to have him back. The Songwriter Q&A session will begin at 6pm and concert will begin at 7pm.

On Friday, November 7, we will welcome works from the Japanese print artist, Sadao Watanabe, to the Lenz Gallery. He is best known for his prints that meld biblical imagery with the traditional Japanese folk art known as mingei. Watanabe's work portrays the Christian gospel with a distinctive use of crumpled wet paper mixed with mineral pigments suspended in soy milk, known as katazome.

"Witness to Faith" serves as a visual testament ("witness") to his Christian faith through biblical scenes. Stay tuned for more details soon.