The combination of art and faith is as old as, perhaps, art itself. Since the earliest forms of artistic expression, the faith of the artist has been depicted in paintings, plays, songs, poetry and literature.

This tradition is continued by the Ministry of the Arts of Trinity Church in Newport, which seeks to “celebrate the God-given gifts that shine in performances of drama, dance, theatre, music and exhibits of fine arts and thus join a long tradition of artistic expressions of Christian faith.”

Ministry of the Arts has been in existence for two years, having been started by several choir members interested in sponsoring musical events.

Tom Erb has recently joined the group as Resident Artistic Director and also Director for their upcoming production of Yasmina Reza’s Tony Award winning play “Art.”

“This isn’t the first time I have combined my passion for the arts and my Christian faith,” Erb says, noting that he was the Executive and Production Director for a production of “Fatima,” the musical, in 2001. He adds, “I feel that the message of arts can be applied to all faiths. Personally it is heartwarming to connect the two.”

Part of the organization’s mission is to “use Trinity’s campus for performances and exhibits that are consistent with meeting the spiritual needs of the Aquidneck Island community through the arts.” Erb notes that, “It is our hope to provide thought provoking mainstream productions that have a message.”

A second aspect of the mission statement is “to operate in a financially solvent way while also providing donations for local, national, and international non-profit agencies.” Currently, the organization has relationships with The Edward King Senior Center and Local Help Hotlines but Erb says that there are “more to come.”

Speaking about the mission statement, Erb says, “Considering the climate of our world right now, I believe everyone is looking to find peace and a place to belong. To be around people and things that make them feel safe and secure. The ministry’s mission statement is to share our God given talents for all to see and attract those who are searching so that they can see that there is hope and peace here at Trinity Church.”

Regarding this production in particular, Erb says, “The basic message is “Art” is in the heart, mind and soul of each individual. That individuality is what makes any Art an Art.”

Although the play deals with the purchase of a work of art, it’s really an examination of the complexity and fragility of friendship, especially between two of the three characters. Erb believes the message here is that friendships are “fragile and should not be left unchaperoned, meaning don’t leave your friends unchaperoned and allow them to mingle with others because they might find new interest with new friends. To protect your friendship, keep them close.”

 There’s another important message regarding friendships to be found in the play, which Erb believes is, “Let your friends be themselves, for that is what attracted you to them in the first place.”  

art

The Trinity Church Ministry of the Arts Honyman Hall at Trinity Church, Queen Anne Square,

Newport

Directed/produced by Tom C. Erb

Runs March 5-7 @ 7:30 p.m. & March 8 @ 2 p.m.