48th ABS Annual Conference

The artist has among other responsibilities that of questioning our values, of leading us to new insights that release our potential for growth, of illuminating our humanity, or renewing our authenticity by putting us in touch with our inner selves and of creating works of art that challenge us -- as Rilke says -- to change our lives. They are a stimulus to transformation. In the Bahá’í Order the artists will find their home at the center of their community, free to interact constructively with the people who are served by their art; free to give and to receive strength and inspiration. It is my hope that you will be in the vanguard of this reconciliation between artists and their world. As Baha'u'llah foretells, the artists are coming home to claim their place. I urge you: Be there! Welcome them! Bring chocolate! (Excerpt from an Address to Bahá’í World Centre Youth Group, 31 October 1990 by poet Roger White, Advice from a Poet: Bring Chocolate)

After experiencing a series of transformative events through the arts over some years I came to understand a little of their purposes and power, especially how important they are to learning, healing and spiritual development. Several of those experiences involved work with the Wings to the Spirit Foundation. Gatherings sponsored by that Foundation made clear that we as individuals and communities could learn about the challenges and the wisdom of Bahá’ís who are artists by deeply listening to their language. I became inspired to undertake a qualitative research study with twelve Bahá’í artists about many topics, including the relationship between the sacred and the arts. I learned so much from each of them…by listening.
This breakout session will include a video glimpse of these artists and their work, a presentation on some of ideas that were generated, followed by a panel discussion with two of the artists who were a part of the research, well known sculptor Shaughnessy Johnson and visual artist Dr. Lisa Puzon. Lisa and Shaughnessy are a powerhouse of a married couple, devoting most of their time using their passion and talents in creating arts-related experiences to youth who live in underserved communities. There will be time for questions, comments and ideas from the session participants.