Opening Feb. 20, exhibit will explore the theme of ‘Sacred Feminine’
by Columbia Theological Seminary | Special to Presbyterian News Service
Works by North Carolina artist Ally Markotich will be on display Feb. 20 through May 16 at Columbia Theological Seminary. (Photo courtesy of Columbia Theological Seminary)
DECATUR, Georgia — The Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) at Columbia Theological Seminary announces its new art exhibit featuring North Carolina artist Ally Markotich.
“Layer by Layer: Unearthing She” is a series of paintings on inward exploration around the theme of Sacred Feminine. The exhibit will be available for viewing February 20 through May 16.
“If the soul is like a diamond and has rays of light to spread to the world, each painting I create is one sliver of light from my interior world,” says Markotich in a seminary news release. “Painting as a spiritual practice has changed my way of being in the world. I used to believe that beauty and creativity weren’t as important as other spiritual pursuits. Painting with careful intent has led me to act upon an embodied experience of ritual, rest and creativity. Each brushstroke I make is a small mark to bring love and healing to the world. I’m grateful I can bring others along as I share this creative method of transformation.”
An artist’s reception will be held from noon through 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20. Guests can personally engage with the artist and contemplate the art collectively. Guests are invited to bring a lunch and join the conversation. Coffee and desert will be provided. The reception and exhibit will be housed on the second floor of the Harrington Center on the Columbia Seminary campus. Visitors are welcome to view the exhibit between 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. For more information about the exhibit, call 404-687-4577 or e-mail lifelonglearning@ctsnet.edu.
This exhibit is scheduled in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the Spirituality Program of the Center for Lifelong Learning.
About the artist
Ally Markotich is an artist, poet and Intentional Creativity® teacher.
In November 2018, Markotich received certification as an Intentional Creativity® teacher with Shiloh Sophia’s Color of Woman School to guide participants to tend their personal story with inquiry and paint. In August 2017, she completed a Certificate in Spiritual Formation from Columbia Theological Seminary, where her creativity was reignited and the sacred ordinary was discovered.
Artist Ally Markotich helps people tend their personal story with inquiry and paint. (Photo courtesy of Ally Markotich)
Markotich has served in a variety of volunteer leadership roles including ruling elder in her local Presbyterian church and coordinator of her local chapter of Mothers of Preschoolers. Her favorite roles have been those where creativity has no bounds and deep conversation is encouraged. She has her BFA in Graphic Design from Alfred University in New York.
Markotich is the creator of Soul Kindling (LLC), a workshop-based business designed to awaken participants to their inner well of wisdom with paint as the sacred tool. She said that creating a space of renewal and hospitality for her beloveds is a joy for her. She loves to encourage women and leaders to honor themselves, spark creative flow and create a vision of hope. A gatherer of sacred circles, she uplifts belonging and individual voice as imperative elements of the whole. You can find Ally’s workshops, writing and art at www.soulkindling.com.
About Columbia Theological Seminary
Columbia Theological Seminary “exists to educate and nurture faithful, imaginative, and effective leaders for the sake of the Church and the world.” As an educational institution of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Columbia Seminary is a community of theological inquiry, leadership development, and formation for ministry in the service of the Church of Jesus Christ. Columbia Seminary offers six graduate degree programs and dozens of courses and events as a resource for church professionals and lay people through The Center for Lifelong Learning. For more information, visit www.CTSnet.edu.
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