The Third Book in "The Art of" Series . . . and an Epic Exhibit

The Art of Edward Knippers: Prints and Drawings will be released in September 2018 in conjunction with a massive retrospective art exhibit at Messiah College.

Edward Knippers is an artist very well known in Christian community and beyond. His bold colors, aggressive paint handling, (often) large scale, dramatic compositions, and (of course) the nudity of his figures make Knipper’s art stand out in any show. But, sometimes, thinking that we know an artist’s work can get in the way of continuing to look carefully at their work. 

In fact, that there is more to the art of Ed Knippers than what is described above. Some of the aesthetic and conceptual richness of his work was explored in his 2015 monograph Violent Grace. But there is more. This book, which focuses principally on Knipper’s work in printmaking, aims to further unpack the complexity of his art.

Praise for the book includes:

“This book honors Edward Knippers’ lesser known body of work—his prints and drawings. Parallel to his dramatic large scale paintings, he has consistently produced etchings, monotypes and especially linocuts. This monograph gives these equally important works their rightful recognition while more fully unpacking the complexity and depth of Knippers’ art.” —Sandra Bowden, artist

“Artists most often show another—and often very different—side to their work in prints and drawings. The magicof line  tells its own story. These works of Edward Knippers are no exception. Magic is the word for what you will see in these pages. It’s high time this work is better known! Cheers!!!” —Roberta Green Ahmanson, writer

“Across the many years that I have known Edward Knippers, I have come to expect two things: passion and faithfulness. Ed is passionate about the biblical narrative—especially the human stories that it contains—and faithful to do the work. Few artists have been as productive in the studio and over a long span of years as Ed Knippers. His expansive body of work needs to be seen.” —Cameron J. Anderson, artist and author

This is the third in a growing series of monographs focusing on important artists of faith. CLICK HERE to learn more about the art exhibit at Messiah College.

It Was Good: Music — Book Release Parties

It Was Good: Making Music to the Glory of God is such an important book to us that it required TWO release parties! The North event was October 4 in Lancaster, PA. It included a workshop at Lancaster Bible College then a concert at The Trust Performing Arts Center. The contributors included: Diana Bauer, Rob Bigley, Bethany Brooks, Paul Buckley, Ned Bustard, Mark Chambers, Julius Fischer, Joy Ike, Steve Nichols, Doug Plank, and Gregg Strawbridge. (CLICK HERE or Joy Ike's impression of the Lancaster Book Release Event.). The South event was October 18 in Nashville, TN. It included a round table forum at Belmont (CLICK HERE for a write up about the Belmont discussion) then a concert at the Massey Performing Arts Center. The contributors included: Diana Bauer, Katy Bowser, Bethany Brooks, Paul Buckley, Ned Bustard, Ruth Naomi Floyd, Steve Guthrie, Joy Ike, Sarah Masen, Sandra McCracken, and Brad O’Donnell.

It Was GOOD: Music —But Don't Just Take Our Word For It!

Karen Peris of The Innocence Mission writes, "Musicians will be encouraged and uplifted by the essays is this book, which seeks to put into words our shared wonder and gratitude for the gift of music in our lives."

Dave Perkins, Associate Director of the Religion in the Arts and Contemporary Culture program at The Divinity School of Vanderbilt University writes, “Is it possible to fully elucidate the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, even physical experiences of music making?  Perhaps the best way to go about it is to gather a choir of voices. It Was Good: Making Music to the Glory of God offers a rich resource of perspectives, each working to share some aspect or moment in the experience of that mercurial characteristic of human being we call music and its place in the life of faith.”

Erin M. Stephens writes, "If the Church is the Body of Christ, then music is its heartbeat. Music reverberates in the spirit, draws individuals together into community, and guides them in the common desire to exalt their Savior. Through music, Christians experience an inexplicable link to their Creator. Though mysterious, this interaction is a central facet of Christianity that intimately informs your relationship with God. Each follower of Christ, regardless of personal musical ability, should cultivate a God-centered understanding of music. For such an endeavor, It was Good: Making Music to the Glory of God edited by Ned Bustard is an ideal resource. In its engaging pages, thirty devout music-professionals offer their unique perspectives on music-making. Its content is accessible, its contributors authoritative, and its captivating insights universally applicable, making this book a necessary pleasure for worship leader and worshiper alike." CLICK HERE to read the full review.

Jeremy Begbie, author of Resounding Truth writes, "Lively, engaging and eminently readable—this book shows that it is still possible to write about music in a way that enriches our experience of it. Above all, it will renew your gratitude to God for making such an art possible.”

Denis Haack writes, "I was delighted about the first in this series, It Was Good: Making Art to the Glory of God, and equally delighted by this second volume on music. Each chapter explores a different aspect of the topic, from silence to listening to improvisation to instruments to touring to harmony and much more. Written by musicians, theologians, songwriters and musicologists, it becomes a valuable resource for both musicians and those of us who cannot make music but cannot live without it. Reading this book is like hearing from the other side—from those writing the music or recording it or playing it live—so the experience of music is less fragmented and we are better able to see how it can all play out to God’s glory." CLICK HERE to read the full review.

Composer J.A.C. Redford writes, “Making music to the glory of God is both a calling and a delight. Dialoguing with other artists who embrace the same vocation is a source of particular joy for me, and this collection of thoughtful essays invites readers into reflections and conversations that will nourish and inspire. The diverse voices represented in It Was Good: Making Music to the Glory of God weave together rich harmony with subtle dissonance. If you listen carefully, you may just hear the answering voices of saints and angels in heavenly counterpoint.”

Christopher Dicram Hale of Aradhna writes, “A book like this is a life line of hope, encouragement, and joy to a musician whose journey continues to be anything but normal after twenty-two years of worshiping Jesus through Hindi devotional music genres.”

Walt Harrah writes, "For musicians, ruts are a normal (even if potentially hazardous) part of the job. The musician’s field of vision can tend to shrink, unless the musician is forced—often kicking and screaming—outside of his comfort zone. This book had that effect on me, and I trust will do the same for my fellow musicians seeking to make music to God’s glory." CLICK HERE to read the full review.