Art Gallery
Our space is designed as both an art gallery and a sanctuary. We have shown works by many artists at SFU and in the Greater Vancouver Region. Often the art work is not religious, as we believe all art evinces the spiritual. In fact, we welcome art that challenges our views and expectations.
Exhibitions
Our art gallery is free and open to all while the church is open. We also try to have the artist of each show come speak to us about the works. To paraphrase Robbie Burns, may God through the message of the visual artist give us the gift “to see ourselves as others see us.”
Music
Although our congregation is small, music plays an important part in our worship. Sean Bayntun, our director of music, leads a small choir that meets on Thursdays, and is always open to new members. We also often are gifted by the playing of violinists in our congregation.
Our piano is over 100 years old and was built by the world renowned C. Bechstein Company in Berlin. It was discovered languishing in a consignment store and now, fully restored, is a beautiful visual sign of our ministry of music.
Art Events
Arts and music are central to the life of our congregation and we celebrate them in many ways in addition to our regular art gallery and worship services.
Thus Says the Mountain is a semi-annual event showcasing young local artists, poets and musicians. Admission is by donation, with everything going to support First United Mission. Since November, 2008, we have held our Design for Change, a fashion show highlighting local designers presenting ecologically sensitive fashion. Information about these events will be posted under events and on our home page.
Another long-standing tradition at Ellesmere is coordinating trips to musicals and the opera. We believe it is important that everyone be able to appreciate the arts and consequently try to support students and others who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend.
