UH Sabbath reaches out to local churches

Wednesday is Career Day

Spiritual group isn't just for Christians

By Rosemary Molne
News Reporter

Those who think that art created through divine inspiration vanished with the Gothic and Renaissance periods should check out a new group that is offering an opportunity for artists wanting to express their spiritual side.

"Art fx" was founded by artist Tod Sajissor to offer its members -- both students and nonstudents -- a chance to collaborate on art projects and a forum to discuss religious beliefs.

Art fx recently had its own booth at the Lynn Eusan Park "Egzibit," where the group displayed works created by Sajissor and co-founder David Gonzalez. Now, they are hoping to create a mural at the Catholic Newman Center while completing several side projects, including their Web site.

Though Sajissor and Gonzalez are both of the Christian faith, they said they hope to reach people of all religious backgrounds. "We want to restore spirituality back to the art world," Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez does his best to be sensitive and diplomatic regarding other people's beliefs. He is careful not to discourage those who might be turned off by the religious connotations of the group.

"We don't want people to think that we're just another Christian group," he said.

Although Art fx's guiding principle is that "ultimate success comes from practicing biblical principles," members say they believe art functions as a universal language, and they desire excellence in communicating both aesthetic and spiritual values.

They urge practice and dedication to both art and spiritual study in their meetings. Another aspect of their study is art appreciation, encouraged by outings to different art exhibits and events around town such as the Commerce Street Art Warehouse and the Contemporary Arts Museum.

The group also fosters teamwork. One of their goals is to present works that are collaborations.

The artists who make up the group are mostly young students with talents that include film, writing, painting and sculpting. Sajissor said even those who feel a lack of artistic talent can volunteer other work, like marketing ability or technical expertise. One group member, a college graduate named "David O," is a film artist who recently worked on the film Boys Don't Cry as a production assistant.

David's strong spiritual beliefs and the film content of Boys Don't Cry, whose protagonist was gay, may seem conflicted, but he, like the other group members, say they have an open attitude regarding modern issues.

"I know people who identified with some characters in the film," David said. "If you have something to present in an eloquent way and if you have something to share, then that's meaningful."

Gonzalez and Sajissor said Art fx hopes to start showing their artwork on campus at the University Center Underground. The group is also seeking registered student organization status at the University.

Once they are set up at the UC, the founders said they hope their art will appeal to a wide range of people, religious or not. But they want to make sure the idea of a religious art group doesn't frighten any potential comers.

"I'm just worried that many will be turned off by the word ‘Christian,'" Gonzalez said.