The public has an opportunity to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and the remarkable treasure that God has given humanity—the gift of the Bible. Colonial Presbyterian Church’s Overland Park Campus is sponsoring a free exhibit of biblical text and art entitled “Sola Scriptura.” The exhibit honors the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. It is comprised of three sections: Translating the Bible, Illuminating the Bible, and Picturing the Bible. Admission is FREE, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sundays 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Antiphonal Leaves, Calligraphy on vellum, c. 1500s
Translating the Bible includes portrait engraving of Martin Luther, an illustrated 1875 Martin Luther German Bible, and many other Bibles and Bible samples from history. Illuminating the Bible explores the diverse ways scribes and calligraphers have illuminated the biblical text with imagination and devotion. There are ancient and medieval illuminations as well as several recent calligraphic creations. Picturing the Bible features more than a dozen artist who use biblical text as an integral part of their creations. These works utilize various forms of media and dimension.
Sola Scriptura is a part of the Bowden Collection, made available to members of Christians in the Visual Arts.
“The Bowden Collections focuses on religious art for several reasons: first, it is the subject I am most passionately interested in; second, it is a wonderful time to be collecting work with biblical themes because the art market in general is not particularly interested in art with religious content,” states Sandra Bowden. “I also feel that religious art needs exposure within the Christian community, and it is my intent to make these pieces available whenever possible for that purpose. I see my collector’s role as a calling—something that is critically important to do at this particular time.”
For directions and a complete listing of the art in this exhibit, go to colonialkc.org/events. The exhibit will continue through June 18. Colonial Presbyterian Church, Quivira Campus, 12501 W. 137th Street, Overland Park.