Each year the CBF Silent Auction is different. The new artists we’ve met in our work, the new work of our long-term artists, and the pieces our fellow field personnel have come across from their areas has shaped the unique collection of pieces we will bring to the General Assembly in Houston in July.
In addition to new works this year, we have several pieces that have been donated from personal collections by Anita Snell and Mary Langford, two women that have labored long for CBF missions. Also included in this years collection is the largest number of jewelry pieces and crosses that we’ve had since the Silent Auction began in 2002.
As CBF’s Arts Coordinators, we cherish our work on behalf of artists, the church, missions and the ever blossoming dialog taking place between the arts and faith. We believe that the arts are close to the heart of God, that we are all fulfilling God’s intent for the creation when we create new forms, symbols and meanings from the materials of the original creation.
The items for auction each year represent the lives and ministries of many of the CBF field personnel as well as artists from the areas where our personnel are located. The aesthetic quality can move us to see, for example, a Balinese woman or an African mother in new ways. We touch a processional cross and realize that we experience the same surface that the Ethiopian metal smith felt. We can’t help but feel a connection to him.
The arts are a God-given means for becoming conscious of our shared humanity, a consciousness much needed in our world today as we face increasing sentiments that encourage division and isolation. More than ever we need the fundamental and unifying peace offered through our Lord. Each item in this year’s Silent Auction represents individuals, families, and communities in need of prayer, that tremendous way of intentionally linking ourselves together and to our God.
Proceeds from the art auction go to ministries and projects as well as help to support artists who live and work among most neglected and marginalized people.