Programs
Strong at the Broken Places | March 5 - April 8, 2006
The phrase is taken from chapter 34 of Ernest Hemingway's 1929 novel, A Farewell to Arms: "The world breaks every one and afterward many are strong at the broken places."
Drawing from our concurrent gallery theme, "Strong at the Broken Places," this Lenten series of speakers and art workshops explored instances of strength nurtured out of brokenness.
Sunday Speakers
- The Rev. Kelly M. Sisson, pastor of Glade Church, presented an overview of the theme, "Strong at the Broken Places," incorporating the gallery art into the worship experience.
- Ordained in the Lutheran tradition and owner of Divine Inspiration bead and gift shop in Blacksburg, The Rev. Linda Mitchell, whose jewelry creations inspired the theme for our gallery, addressed areas of sexual assault and courage to heal. Linda has been among
the area's leading advocates for recovery from sexual assault and domestic violence.
- Director of Religion and Faith Programs for the Human Rights Campaign in Washington, D.C., Harry Knox discussed the challenges facing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons.
- Dr. Tina Smusz, a diplomat of the American Board of Palliative Medicine, addressed Palliative care and End of Life concerns. Tina is an assistant professor of Medical Specialties-Palliative Care at the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine and the founding director of Palliative Medicine at Carilion
New River Valley.
- An MFA candidate in Virginia Tech's Department of Theatre Arts, Shannon Turner led an interactive
theatre exercise on the topic of depression. Shannon has conducted workshops addressing women and depression that accompanied Tech's production of Prozac Blues.
- One of the country's foremost kaleidoscope artists, Scott Cole spoke on "Reflections of the Universe." Scott has created and taught his art for more than
20 years from Penland to Thailand and is a frequent instructor at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, N.C.
Art Workshops
- Jewelry Workshop | Linda Mitchell, owner of Blacksburg's Divine Inspiration bead and gift shop,
led participants in making jewelry from broken
glass, beads, and other items of choice.
- Mosaic Workshop | D. Alex Wind (who created the "Joy" mosaic that hangs in Glade Church) led participants in creating mosaic art from broken ceramic and other creative finds.
- Kaleidoscope Workshop | Scott Cole led participants in making their own sidelight kaleidoscope with broken stained glass.
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 Kaleidoscopes by Scott Cole
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Harry Knox of the HRC
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Bracelets by Linda Mitchell
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The Rev. Kelly M. Sisson
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