Hero Image

Faith and Art

Southern Adventist University hosted an exhibit featuring work by award-winning illustrator and best-selling author John Hendrix in fall 2024. The morning after his gallery opening, Hendrix gave a presentation to Southern students and community members (see below). Hendrix is well known for both his freelance commercial work — appearing in Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times, to name a few — and his playful sermon sketchbooks. He also writes and illustrates children's books and graphic novels, most recently Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

Drawn Together: Word & Image

How do words and images make a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of human beings? Hendrix showcases his own work and talks about the foundational concepts behind his writing and drawing. Can illustration give us a window into the purpose of creation itself?

Southern Adventist University hosted internationally acclaimed artist, author, and renowned speaker Makoto Fujimura for two virtual presentations in spring 2021. Fujimura is a leading contemporary artist whose process driven, refractive “slow art” has been described by David Brooks of The New York Times as “a small rebellion against the quickening of time." It has graced museums around the world, including the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC. Students, employees, alumni, and friends of the university received a blessing from these special online events. We hope you do, as well!

Theology of Making

What Fujimura does in the studio is a theological work as much as an aesthetic one. While creating he finds quiet space that fosters prayer. During his morning presentation, Fujimura shares his deep exploration of the spiritual calling to creativity, blending Asian history and Christian principles.

Culture Care: Reconnecting With Beauty for Our Common Life

Fujimura’s afternoon discussion led participants in the consideration of how their work can be a spiritual calling to uplift culture through the integration of thoughtful aesthetics and beauty into common life. He also took time to answer select questions from participants.