Architecture of the Imagination

Thursdays (see dates below), 7 p.m.

Architecture of the Imagination is a five-part film series that treats five elements of constructed space: the door, the staircase, the window, the bridge, and the tower. It explores the imaginative and archetypal dimensions of each element as they appear in film, psychology, religion and dreams. The films will be preceded by a look at how each element figures in the scriptural imagination.

The series was created by award winning filmmaker and artist Mark Kidel and originally aired on the BBC. (Read a review from 1993.) It was most recently featured in the Lunch Matters film series at the Rubin Museum as part of their exhibit and exploration of Carl Jung's Red Book. Permission to use the films in this format has been generously granted by the artist. Facilitated by the Rev. John Merz in the Parish Hall at 7 p.m. All are welcome. Each film runs 35 minutes, with discussion to follow for those interested.

The Door Thursday, February 11
The Staircase Thursday, February 18
The Window Thursday, February 28
The Bridge Thursday, March 4
The Tower Thursday, March 25

Labels: activities, film

River and Tides: Working with Time

Tuesday, January 26, 7 p.m., in the Parish Hall, 12 W. 11th Street

Between the celebration of Christmas, when many go all out with parties, revelry and the giving of gifts, and Lent, when we take our hair-shirts to the dry-cleaner, place tacks in our shoes and earnestly repent our sins, sits the odd season of Epiphany.

This is the season of "revealing" or "manifestation" when Jesus’ identity — his life’s work and purpose — becomes clearer to the disciples (and to us). Epiphanic moments usually happen all at once. These are "Aha!" moments where the quotidian is revealed to have extraordinary depth and beauty. To assist us in our epiphanic musings, we will watch a film documenting the creative process of the renowned contemporary artist Andy Goldsworthy. Mr. Goldsworthy utilizes natural elements: ice, clay, cast off branches, to craft works that draw the mind to the extraordinary processes of nature and the ephemeral beauty of our world.

Popcorn and drinks provided. Discussion will follow if people want to talk about it.

Labels: activities, film