About the Art Gallery of New Geneva
The Art Gallery of New Geneva is an extension of The New Geneva Christian Leadership Academy, an online Christian seminary and college. The Gallery strives to educate the community through artistic creations while giving respect and honor to the Lord, Jesus Christ. The Art Gallery is unique and independent from any other art organizations, operating on a local basis.
Our Philosophy:
The world of the arts is an incredible gift from God that enriches the soul and allows many ways of expression. For the Christian however, the arts are not solely for personal gratification, but more so, to bring forth the invisible things of God to a world that is blind to them:
“For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen,
being understood by the things that are made…” Romans 1:20
The language of the arts is like no other, cutting across all cultural barriers:
“The heavens declare the glory of God…day unto day utters speech.
There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.” Psalm 19:1-3
God almighty is the first cause of all things. He is the Master Artist from Whom all human beings receive their talents, instructions, and even the materials they need to work:
“…for without Me, you can do nothing.” John 15:5
The Art Gallery of New Geneva pledges to reflect and honor the Master through creative projects that will glorify God and encourage the hearts and minds of all who enter:
“…establish the work of our hands…” Psalm 90:17
Our Worldview:
The Art Gallery of New Geneva is a unique art institution in that it holds to a Biblical worldview of the arts and is not swayed necessarily by popular trends or the secular art world.
Although it is open to considerations, its foundational appreciation for the arts is rooted in the precepts found in Scripture. One passage that can be a general guide when considering displaying or performing at the Art Gallery at New Geneva is the following passage found in Philippians 4, verse 8:
“…whatever things are true,
whatever things are honest,
whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise,
think on these things.”
It would be virtually impossible for one art project to encompass all the traits listed above; only Christ can do that. However, if it can hold to at least one of them, it would be considered for showing at The Art Gallery.
With respect to the above passage (Phil 4:8) and how it relates to the arts, consider the following:
True
(not concealing, deceitful, or lying)
Art projects should convey truth, not lies. Sometimes the truth is hard and hurts, but with some creativity, there can be a glimmer of hope even among the ashes.
Honest
(revere; honorable in character; venerable; grave)
A work should be honorable, not offensive to God. The workmanship as well should be executed with care, being properly finished and/or framed, ready to display.
Just
(upright; virtuous; in keeping the commands of God; righteous)
Projects displayed should not promote unjust or unethical ideas that are against the righteousness of God’s Word.
Pure
(sacred; chaste; modest; morally blameless)
If an artist is pure in heart regarding the project displayed or performed, his work will reflect that.
Lovely
(acceptable; pleasing; friendly towards or fond of)
Something that is lovely draws people toward it. It can be appealing in either its simplicity or complexity, but its beauty to the eyes and/or perhaps to the thoughts and imagination will be motivating or appreciated by the viewer in some way.
Good Report
(sounding well; well-spoken of; good reputation)
Having a good report means having a good reputation; something or someone who has nothing to be ashamed of. Artwork displayed or performed at the Gallery should be able to be viewed by all, young and old alike, without improprieties.
Virtue
(moral goodness; modesty; valor; attributed excellence)
The work should be of good character and quality, depicting a standard of respect.
Praise
(a commendable thing)
Specifically, before God, a work should be commendable. “Praise of men” does not supersede praise or approval by God (Romans 2:29; 1 Corinthians 2:6-7).
Think on these Things
The last phrase in the above passage tells us to THINK on these things. The art displayed and performed at the Gallery should not only be acceptable to the viewers, but also encourage their minds to ponder, wonder, and consider things they may not normally think about, even if it’s as “simple” as the wonderfully balanced perfection of the center of a flower.
"Do you know ... the wondrous works of
him which is perfect in knowledge?" Job 37:16
If you are an artist interested in displaying your work, visit the Exhibiting page.
If you are not an artist but would like to support the Gallery in some way, visit the Partner with Us page.
Learn about our building's history here!
Contact the Art Gallery
Art Gallery location: 1878 Church Street, downtown Appomattox
Mailing address: PO Box 778, Appomattox, VA 24522
(434) 352-2667
Regular hours of operation:
Thu: 2-6; Fr 2-7pm; Sat 11:30-3, and open for special events
(closed mid-December through January)