SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Visual artists of Christ Church invite you to join them for a day of exploring how they use their gifts from God. They will present an exhibition of their work and share a more in-depth understanding of their materials, methods and inspirations. The day includes three 1-hour workshops and culminates with a meet-the-artist reception and raffle of art to support the missions of Christ Church.
COME FOR THE ENTIRE DAY OR JUST FOR THE RECEPTION
ART WORKSHOPS: The series of 3 1-hour workshops begin at noon. There will be breaks in between and light lunch will be provided. See details below.
ARTISTS’ RECEPTION: At 4 pm there will be a “meet the artist” reception with light refreshments and brief talks by the artists.
Artists
Suzanne Schleck – Icons
Mike Redpath – Photography
Lydia McKibbin – Watercolor Paintings
Eileen Kennedy – Egg Tempera Paintings
Workshops
No Art Experience Needed – Just Curiosity
Silverpoint Drawing: Eileen Kennedy will share knowledge about the materials and history of this ancient drawing medium in most common use prior to 1450. She’ll also bring supplies so you can give silverpoint a try.
From Where Does Inspiration to Create Come? Mike Redpath will guide an exploration of openness to inspiration for creativity in any endeavor. He will also briefly touch on the smartphone as a tool to facilitate inspiration.
Icons in the 21st Century: Suzanne Schleck will share her knowledge of the tradition and materials of icon painting. She will also cover her process for creating icons of contemporary saints.
TO SIGN UP
Workshops and Reception (12 to 6 pm): $40
Reception Only (4 to 6 pm): $15
Workshop Check-in Opens at 11:30 am
RSVP by November 8
to Events@ChristChurchTomsRiver.org or (732) 349-5506
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Suzanne Schleck: Suzanne Schleck is a retired public school art teacher who has been learning to paint icons since 1989 when she met Episcopal priest and iconographer, the Rev. John Walsted. She worked with him until his death in 2014. She has also studied with Brother Robert Lentz, the Prosopon School, Hexameron; the Rev. Peter Pearson and Fred Wessel. Suzanne taught the egg tempera icon conference at the Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, NC from 2005 through 2025. She has taught icon painting retreats and given talks at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA (2011-present), Trinity Wall Street, St. John’s in Washington, CT, the Gray Center in Canton, MS; her own parish, Christ Church in Toms River, NJ and others. Her icons reside in homes and churches around the country. She was recently blessed to complete four icons of local saints for St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury, NC (stlukessalisbury.net); a series of five icons of Anglo-Catholic saints which now reside at St. Clements Episcopal Church, Seattle, WA (www.theanglocatholics.com). Suzanne has enjoyed living on the edge of the New Jersey Pine Barrens in Whiting with her husband and two children since 1976, and she became a member of Christ Church in 1988.
Eileen Kennedy: Eileen Kennedy’s paintings and drawings explore encounters between humans and the natural world. Working in egg tempera and silverpoint, the artist creates images of people and the flora and fauna of coastal New Jersey, where she has spent most of her life. Eileen holds a BFA from Pratt Institute; with additional study at the Hartford Art School and Art Students League. She has exhibited throughout the mid-Atlantic region and is a two-time recipient of artist fellowships from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Most recently, her work was included in New Jersey Masters: A New Legacy of Visual Arts. Learn more at www.eileen-kennedy.com.
Mike Redpath: Mike Redpath has been an avid photographer since he was 11 years old; starting with a simple Brownie box camera. Doing photography for his high school newspaper, yearbook, and class presentations evolved into formal photojournalism and public affairs training at the Defense Information School when he served in the Navy at Naval Air Station Lakehurst during the Vietnam Era. Redpath has never worked as a professional photographer, yet photography has continuously been part of his professional life as a non-profit manager. He credits his years of photography skills with honing the practice of noticing and sharing the world around him.
Lydia McKibbin: Lydia McKibbin has spent much of her life teaching and making art. She earned her MA in Art Education from Montclair State College and taught art to grades K-8 in the Howell Township school system for more than 20 years. Simultaneously, she continued her studies to refine her own art practice, focusing on watercolor in workshop settings and through private instruction. The artist has also mentored others by giving private lessons in her studio. For nearly 20 years she served as assistant to Suzanne Schleck at the annual egg tempera icon conference at the Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, NC. No matter what season she captures or medium she uses, Lydia’s paintings never fail to reflect her love of the natural world.