Pursuing Social Justice through Creative Arts

Recognizing the power of opening hearts and imaginations as we work for social justice, both the worshipping community and the Oasis at Grace support and utilize creative arts. In worship, we experiment with music, table decorations, banners, and liturgical dance (including African dance).

The Oasis at Grace held a significant three-day event called “Bitter Fruit: The Art of Conversations” held in the church involving community participants and the Doors exhibit by V. L. Cox. These conversations and story-sharing explored the role of churches, for good and for evil, in supporting and dismantling racism. The program “Future Cracked Open” was a series of dinner and story-telling about moving from being victims to being victors.

We have an art gallery in Room 5 with rotating shows from area artists. These three art events were offered collaboratively by The Oasis at Grace and House of Friends.

Open Mic Poetry events and Spoken word happen monthly.

Lastly, we use the marvelous acoustics of the Nave for Jazz, as we value songs to the Lord. We have had two concerts (Jazz in the Nave) with dinner. Jazz in the Nave is now offered on the first Friday of each month (with the band Jazz Renaissance, which practices at The Oasis).