The arts are an integral part of Eastern’s identity, bringing our community together to laugh, cry, and gain a greater understanding of ourselves and the world God created. 

In the fall of 2023, my colleague, Rev. Jane Filkin, and I led the Campolo Fellows through the contemplative spiritual practices of Visio and Lectio Divina using Henry Osswa Tanner's breathtaking masterpiece, The Annunciation, and The Magnificat from Luke 1: 46-55. The students responded so enthusiastically that we took them on a field trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to see Tanner's painting and other sacred art in person.

It was there that I discovered the religious artwork owned and curated by John Kohan. 

After reaching out to Kohan and discussing how his work relates to our history and mission here at Eastern, he offered to bring his East Meets West: Women Icon Makers of Western Ukraine exhibit to our campus. We were incredibly grateful to present this opportunity for thoughtful observation to Eastern and surrounding community throughout the 2023 Advent season.

The paintings captured our attention, refocused our gaze, and facilitated the possibility of seeing and contemplating God, the human experience, and our Christian story in a new light. 

I am thrilled for the new, permanent space that Templeton Hall will afford for exhibits like East Meets West. Making inspiring, perspective-shifting art accessible for our students and the Eastern community demonstrates our commitment to the educational, cultural, moral, and religious development of our community for generations to come.