By Tim Krohn
MANKATO — For artist Ruthan Miller, The Venue was a secure setting to open her heart and soul.
“It’s a safe place. I wouldn’t do it at other galleries. It’s a display of yourself there, it’s a piece of your soul in each of them,” said Miller, pointing to the her display of mixed media artwork, many with a religious theme.
The Venue is an annual faith-based weekend of art and music in its second year, sponsored by numerous area churches.
Visitors could add their painted touch to a large canvas, take part in pottery making and other arts and crafts projects, have their photo taken and included in a power-point slide-show, listen to music and take in a wide variety of art on display.
Wendy Meyer, one of the original organizers of the event, said the weekend gives faith-based artists a place to freely discuss their faith’s role in their work.
“The artists get to explain what inspires them to do what they do. They can share their faith, if that’s what inspires them. It’s not always an opportunity they get at other venues.”
And, she said, the event use volunteers and donations from various churches and individuals to provide a showcase for faith-based art. “If you want a grant for something like this, they often don’t give them to faith-based groups.”
The event was open until 3 a.m. Saturday and Sunday mornings, offering an alternative to the bar scene for younger visitors, Meyer said. “The bands get louder as the night goes on.”
The event was held in the former Family Bank building downtown. In its premier last year, the event was held at Belle Mar Mall.
The Venue came about after a collection of people from various churches in the Mankato area decided to put together an event that showcased and welcomed the work of faith-based artists and art.
The event featured more than two dozen artists and 17 musicians.
