RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY, & THE ARTS

IUPUI ARTS & HUMANITIES INSTITUTE

Eve of Knowledge by Ellie Sophia Brown, 2018 | Ellie Sophia Photography LLC © 2021 | elliesophia.com
Navigation: Self Redemption by Israel Solomon, 2021

SACRED STORIES COME

TO LIFE THROUGH THE
CREATIVE IMAGINATION.
Throughout history, artists have engaged with
sacred stories through painting, poetry, and music.

In our time, the relationship between the arts

and religious traditions has grown distant.

2
 RSA FORGES NEW AND DEEPER
CONNECTIONS BETWEEN RELIGION
AND ARTS— FOR THE BENEFIT OF BOTH.
The aim of Religion, Spirituality, and the Arts (RSA), a program of the
IUPUI Arts & Humanities Institute, is to create a space in which artists
from diverse backgrounds can interact with humanities scholars,
religious communities, and other artists to explore the intersection of
two of life’s most meaningful journeys: the creative and the spiritual.

In this space, discoveries abound, spirituality and creativity deepen,

boundaries collapse, and new works of art are created and shared with
the public. In order to continue to provide this opportunity for Indiana
artists, we need a partner. Will you join us?
The Offering by Jessica Hancock, 2016

3
THE DISTINCTIVE
RSA EXPERIENCE
Since 2014, Religion, Spirituality, and the
Arts has hosted 12–15 artists each semester.
Central Indiana poets, painters, sculptors,
and musicians study, analyze, and discuss
religious texts across eight-week seminars
taught by subject matter experts from IUPUI
and other local universities, arts organizations,
and religious institutions.

As they acquire knowledge about the Oz by Nasreen Khan Clark, 2021 (top left)
Amphigory #1 by Nasreen Khan Clark, 2021 (top right)
historical, ethical, and cultural impact of these
religious texts, artists create works based
on the themes of the semester. The year
culminates with a series of public exhibitions
at venues ranging from the IUPUI Cultural
Arts Gallery and Clowes Hall to the Harrison
Center, Christian Theological Seminary, and
Jewish Community Center.

In addition to the knowledge they gain in

the seminar and the opportunity to present
their work in public, each artist receives free
tuition and a stipend to help cover the costs
of creating their art. What’s more, artists forge
close connections with classmates, building
new networks of potential collaborators and
professional contacts.
Auspex #1 by Nasreen Khan Clark, 2021

4
 THE GENESIS OF DELUGE:
THE FIRST DROP

There’s no more time for sleeping

The earth groans, loudly exhaling
As it recognizes the familiar,
unwanted press
Of attention desperate humanity
A shaking clap of thunder
Then finally, the rain begins

—Franklin Oliver, 2021

Condemnation by Despi Mayes, 2021

5
 Death by H. Ward Miles, 2020

SUPPORTING THE
ARTS IN INDIANA—
AND BEYOND
Engaging the public is an essential element
“When I applied to RSA six years
of the success of the RSA program. Artists
ago, never could I have imagined
have shared their experiences and their work
how much it would change my
at The Spirit and Place Festival, the Center
for Congregations, and university, church,
life, as well as my child’s. RSA not
and arts organizations across Indiana. Each only impacts how you see yourself
event increases the public’s interaction as an artist and how your art
with meaningful works of art, and sparks intersects with the art of others, it
conversation around the intersection of faith also deepens your commitment
and creativity. to your art and to your artistic
community. What profound gifts
With your help, we hope to increase the
to give, not just to those involved,
impact of RSA on the lives of individual
but to the Indianapolis community
artists and their communities—and to extend
the work of RSA on the national stage.
as a whole.”

—Wendy Marie Vergoz, poet

6
 Earth Will Be Fine Without Us by Sue Swartz, 2021

YOUR GIFT TO THE RELIGION,

SPIRITUALITY, AND THE ARTS
PROGRAM WILL ENABLE US TO:
• Expand nationally

• Increase the number of seminars we offer

• Host larger community events that will make it possible for

greater numbers of Hoosiers to experience the transformative
power of art and spirituality in their lives

• Invite high-profile artists from outside of the RSA community

to partner on creative works and share their expertise with
program participants

• Create alumni programming for former RSA participants,

further strengthening our growing community of Indiana
artists

• Offer classes taught by RSA subject matter experts

and participating artists at organizations throughout
the community

7
 IUPUI

IAHI ARTS &

HUMANITIES
INSTITUTE

ABOUT THE IAHI

The IUPUI Arts & Humanities Institute (IAHI) supports research
and creative activity across the IUPUI campus, serves as a campus
liaison to the central Indiana community, and fosters ongoing
partnerships and ventures that advance arts and humanities
endeavors at IUPUI and throughout central Indiana.

IUPUI Arts & Humanities Institute

755 W. Michigan St., UL 4115T
Indianapolis, IN 46202
iahi.iupui.edu

For information on how to make

your gift to RSA, please contact:

Dr. Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

Director—Religion, Spirituality and the Arts
IUPUI Arts & Humanities Institute
ssasso@iu.edu

Dr. Jason M. Kelly

Director
IUPUI Arts & Humanities Institute
jaskelly@iupui.edu

Dee Metaj
Vice President for Development - Indianapolis
Indiana University Foundation
dmetaj@iupui.edu