First Christian Church members and guests were the first ones to enjoy “Bouquets & Blessings: The Fine Art of Julie Turner,” a show featuring Ms. Turner’s work, that opened at the church beginning Aug. 6. The show and sale ends on Sunday, Aug. 27, with an Artist’s Reception, from 12 to 2 p.m., and the public is cordially invited to attend.
Ms. Turner's art career began following her journey through breast cancer. Her passion for art started at age five with drawings in love letters to Elvis. As a self-taught artist, she continued creating art in her free time for many years during her corporate career. In 2003 she began taking art workshops at the studios of artists she admires. Her artwork is now part of private and corporate collections throughout the United States.
A portion of the proceeds from the “Bouquets & Blessings” show will benefit the Chattanooga Community Kitchen (CCK) that Ms. Turner and her husband, Ed, ardently support. Interestingly enough, First Christian also maintains a long history with the CCK as one of seven area churches that were instrumental in starting this vital organization back in 1982.
Ms. Turner's heart for the homeless was created through her parents work with the homeless population in a northern Illinois suburb during her youth. She saw firsthand that homelessness can happen to any one at any time and it is not ours to judge, but to help. She brought that compassion with her when she moved to Chattanooga two years ago with her husband. She is blessed by the faith community at First Christian Church to be part of a group that believes in faith in action at the Community Kitchen.
The public is invited to visit and purchase any of Ms. Turner’s artwork on display in the Crane Lounge, the parlor and the sanctuary hallway at First Christian Church, now through Sunday, Aug. 27. For a private viewing on any weekday prior to Aug. 27, please contact Gail Rich, JUMPST/ART at 423-710-5745 or gailrich@rpbfi.com for an appointment.
Located at 650 McCallie Avenue, across from UTC, all are welcome at First Christian Church, a church of service, working for wholeness in a broken world. Visit http://firstchristian-chat.com for more information or call 423-267-4506.