Chattanooga Art House

What is the Art House?

The Art House is an open door for those seeking to live faithfully in a creative way. By that we mean living the ordinary life we are all called to but redeeming it with the rich and inspirational amenities the creative gifts have to offer. It is a place to attend lectures on any range of topics, to partake in movies discussions, to share various perspectives and world views. It will also be a space for local artists to exhibit their work and discuss the work publicly. Beyond the various events of the Art House we will have an open door for English tea times (10:30 and 3:30) and discussions. The term ‘ministry’ has come up often, but the approach of the art house is more about daily living than radical missions and/or ministry. It is serving the community (as each of us is called to do, missionary or not) around each of us, and serving those with whom we can share, encourage, learn from, inspire, and love in a creative way; in body mind and spirit.

Shaun and Sember have a family of six and are both working artists. Living in the Art House and serving the community, their family is the center of the community house and not peripheral to it. Therefore people are invited to be part of the family, and to find mutual inspiration in the seemingly mundane, and sometimes downright difficult.

What is the art focus?

Shaun and Sember both being working artists hope to encourage, support and collaborate with other artists. More specifically the hope for the Art House is for it to be a place of encouragement and support for those with a calling to marginalized vocations. Everyone from the artist, writer, missionary, and film maker, to those trying to work through money and job security vs. pursuing a calling are all in a similar place of dependance. How does one pursue these things with a family and no benefits or salary? The art house is safe a place to find guidance, ideas, encouragement, and a zealousness for pursuing faithfulness.

Are only artists welcome?

In the broad sense we are all artists in the way we are called to creatively redeem this life in an attractive way. Therefore all who want to live rich and meaningful lives in the everyday routines are welcome. This is not an idealistic outlook in search of freedom from the mundane, but an outlook of finding encouragement for ourselves and others to seek to find inspiration and delight in real life amidst struggles, financial strain, and endless responsibilities. As such anyone who has a heart to share their lives, their passions, fears, and doubts are welcome.

In what way is the Art House Christian affiliated?

The Art House is intrinsically Christian because the core people involved are Christians and as such believe this life has something greater to offer than personal comfort and security. We believe in community and sharing our lives with others. We also have experienced the hardships of close community and have seen the fruits in peoples lives amidst those struggles. As Christians we don’t seek to escape real life nor conquer it, but redeem it in a compelling way. In short the Art House is Christian in the sense that we will open the doors to our home, to our hearts, and our personal lives so that we can love and serve the community around us, (regardless of world view) free of the anxieties of personal risks and trusting God for our security and personal livelihood.

Short term vision:

To open a home and space for community interaction on a regular basis. To have group meals and conversations. To have occasional events such as movie discussions and lectures. To have studio space for our own work and the collaboration of others, including the opportunity for workshops and/or classes. To have an open door on a regular basis for anyone seeking friendship, inspiration, and encouragement. To provide a safe place to ask hard questions and openly challenge each other. This short term vision requires a suitable space for occasional events as well as comfortable privacy. It also requires time and community help to run a household, manage finances, and pursue personal artistic vocations, while serving people. It will require funds for community meals and donations to provide engaging events. Therefore, the primary needs in the short run are the suitable space, prayer for discernment and volunteers to be part of the vision.

The long term vision:

As a long term vision we have been advised to create a board of members who are responsible to help nurture and guide the direction of the vision, which involves everything from making life decisions for Shaun and Sember to finding financial solutions which enable those involved. We have a long term vision for having students or rather resident participants that can be integrated into the lifestyle more full time. We also want to offer studio space and workshops for artists in the future. Ultimately the long term vision is simply an extension of the short term with more time to serve others with more intensity. We expect the long term vision to grow as Shaun and Sember’s kids get older and their margin grows. Therefore it may mean more intentional time in personal discipleship as well as creating a network of resources for the placement of aspiring artists.

This is a loose idea of how the vision may grow, we expect change and unforseen avenues as time goes by. Therefore, we do not feel bound to or limited by this preliminary vision statement. We trust that God will shape the Art House as He sees fit, as it is His calling for us, even to the point of closing the doors, His will is good and will be done.