BARKER — It didn’t take long for the Rev. Tom Gardner to realize the amount of art talent in Barker, the community where he is pastor of the Faith United Methodist Church.
The art community in Barker has a rich history, the Rev. Gardner said. And his church has a number of pieces painted by local artists, woodworking by master craftsmen and quilted wall hangings by talented quilters.
Summers at Faith Church in the past have been fairly predictable — a yard sale, the concert and ice cream social and the church picnic.
But, not so this summer, the pastor said.
“At every turn from entering the church building to worshiping in the sanctuary, permanent artworks are on display, the Rev. Gardner said. “Perhaps the most recognizable work of art, however, is the bell tower on the front lawn.”
A year ago, the pastor got the idea to have an art gallery in the church, showcasing the art works of church and community members.
“This summer, we identified nine local artists whose work is found throughout Western New York,” the pastor said. “Many members of our congregation have private collections, which we have called upon for a weekly art exhibit in our sanctuary.”
A church member and artist, Terry Upton stepped up to be art curator, locating and exhibiting the art.
With parishioners, they came up with eight local artists, several deceased, whose artwork they were able to acquire for an art exhibit.
“I have the possibility for two more,” Upton said.
Four weeks into the exhibit, they have shown work by Jon Upton (Terry’s son), Dody Walter, Stella Robison and Kathy Giles. The weeks ahead will include Andrew Upton (Jon’s twin brother), Gordie Porter, Eileen Hoffman and, hopefully, Corky Coates and Mark Weld.
Upton said he found some of Dody Walter’s work in the Niagara Art Trail Store at Wrights Corners. Walter liked sailboats and the Erie Canal, which are reflected in many of her paintings.
“She loved it,” Terry said. “She had never seen many of them.”
Walter liked sailboats and the Erie Canal, so they were reflected in her paintings, along with animals, flowers and birds.
Terry’s son Jon was featured in the first showing. His work included posters, paintings and a book he wrote.
Stella Robinson is deceased, but Terry invited her daughter to attend a showing of nine of her mother’s paintings — many of them lighthouses.
This week’s featured artist is Kathy Giles. Her paintings mirror her interest in everything lighthouse, along with flowers and a religious aspect. Giles had won a lot of awards for her outstanding works, Terry said.
Coming up, Terry’s son Andrew will be a featured artist. Andrew took Asian studies in college, and took art lessons in China. He also specializes in photography and once received an “Honorable Mention” in an international competition with 20,000 entries.
Both of Terry’s sons work in Indian ink, he said.
Eileen Hoffman, also deceased, did a lot of bookmarks, cards and paintings.
Terry is currently trying to locate some works of the late Gordie Porter. Much of his work was in the Barker Library, which burned several years ago, and the paintings were lost.
For now, the art exhibit has only been available to worshipers on Sunday, but next year, Terry said they would like to open it up to the public.
“Our pastor loves to do things for the community,” Terry said. “We are so lucky to have him.”