Religion, Spirituality, and the Arts (RSA) is a program of the IUPUI Arts and Humanities Institute that brings together artists, religious leaders, religious communities, humanities experts, and a broad range of publics from diverse backgrounds and disciplinary perspectives for sustained study, analysis, and discussion of religious texts in a classroom environment. Directed by Rabbi Sandy Sasso, these textual discussions, which explore the varieties of religious experience and understanding, provide the inspiration for creating new artistic works (e.g. music, poetry, fiction, drama, visual art, dance). Artists share their creations through exhibitions and presentations to members of the Central Indiana community, including religious organizations, congregations, schools, libraries, and community groups.
2021-22 Theme: Water from the Rock
In the religious imagination, water quenches both physical and spiritual thirst. In the most unexpected places wells and rocks become the bearers of story. Focusing on the Exodus narrative of Moses’ striking the rock, which reveals an aquifer, we will consider the power of water as sustenance, healing, and renewal. The seminar will explore how seemingly inanimate entities such as water and rocks might also be alive and help us rethink our relationship to the earth.
Faculty
The faculty list for the 2021-22 seminar is still growing. So far, the faculty include
Dr. Andy Findley, Adjunct Instructor in the Herron School of Art and Design at IUPUI
Dr. Jason M. Kelly, Professor of History in the IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI
Stefan Petranek, Associate Professor of Photography in the Herron School of Art and Design at IUPUI
Dr. Sandy Sasso, Rabbi Emerita of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck
Dr. Joseph Tucker Edmonds, Associate Professor of Africana Studies and Religious Studies at IUPUI
Shari Wagner, Author and Indiana Poet Laureate (2016-2017)
Meetings
Sessions will be held for 2 1/2 hours weekly for a total of eight weeks and will meet evenings from 6:00–8:30 p.m. on 9/9, 9/23, 9/30, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 12/2, 1/13. Most seminars will be held at the Jewish Community Center, 6701 Hoover Road, Ind. IN 46260
Because of COVID-19, seminars may be held online via Zoom. Participation will require a computer with a microphone and an internet connection. However, it is our hope we have in-person gatherings.
How to Apply
Applications for this seminar will be accepted from May 12 to June 15, 2020.
Applicants may be anyone in the community who is active (as a professional or amateur) in the artistic disciplines. Selected applicants must be able to make a commitment to attend all seminar sessions and engage in open and respectful dialogue. Seminar participants will produce creative work to be performed and/or exhibited in a public forum. Seminar participants who attend all sessions and contribute and contribute art to the group exhibition will receive a $500 stipend at the conclusion of the program.
