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Mennonite Arts Weekend:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it?
The first
Mennonite Arts Weekend (MAW) took place in 1991. It’s goal? To celebrate the
contributions of Mennonite artists by supporting artists in their efforts to
"reclaim their identity/relationship with the church." The successful
event became a biennial gathering, organized and supported by members of
Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship (
http://cincinnati.oh.us.mennonite.net/
). And every other February, artists and art
enthusiasts come together for a weekend of presentations, workshops,
performances and worship. In doing so, MAW seeks to encourage creative
expression in Mennonite communities, to provide exposure for artists working in
different facets of the arts, to provide a setting for interaction and the
exchange of ideas, and to bring together practicing Mennonite artists and
others of all traditions interested in the arts.
Who comes?
Attendance at the Weekend ranges from 100-200 and is not limited to
professional artists. You’ll see young and old, families with children, working
artists, creative hobbyists, and those who are simply arts enthusiasts. For
each event, the MAW planning committee invites 10-12 artists as guests to the
Weekend, to offer presentations and performances. So you will find a number of
Mennonite artists there—writers, poets, musicians, painters, sculptors, fabric
artists, photographers, and more. Some names of past-presenters include Chuck
Neufeld, Jeff Gundy, Marilyn Houser-Hamm, Jean Janzen, Julia Kasdorf, Greg
Luginbuhl, Ken Nafziger, Mary Oyer, Lucia Unrau, Roy Yoder and Robert Regier.
What will I do there?
The Weekend begins Friday evening with a time for gathering,
introduction of artist-presenters and singing.
On Saturday morning, there are presentations starting at 9:00 and again
at 10:30. At each time, there are different sessions to choose from, so you may
choose to hear from a quilt-artist at 9:00 and a painter at 10:30, or a poet at
9:00 and a singer-songwriter at 10:30. After a break for lunch (provided by
MAW), there is a hymn sing with a distinguished song leader, followed by more
presentations at 2:00 and at 3:30. Dinner begins at 5:30 and is followed by an
Evening Performance at 7:00 that features the Weekend’s artist-presenters as
well as a guest choir.
On Sunday morning, there is a worship service that includes
participation from Weekend presenters, and plenty of singing. Over the weekend, you’ll also be able to enjoy an on-site Art Exhibit featuring the work of the visual artists invited to the Weekend, with many works available for sale. Other artist-presenters and attendees will often have books, CDs, prints and artwork for sale as well. 
The registration fee encompasses the entire Weekend, but you are free to come to select parts of the Weekend should you wish, but the cost is still the same.
How much does it
cost?
MAW 2010 Rates: $70 per person ($60 before January 15) $50 for students ($40 before January 15) $15 for children 3-12 Free to children under 3 On-site registration is available.
Does the registration
fee include meals? Yes, the registration fee includes Saturday lunch and dinner (vegetarian options are available). Beverages and snacks are available (voluntary donation)
Where can I stay
Saturday night? If you are coming from out of town, and need lodging recommendations, we are happy to help. Click on the “Accommodations” tab at the top of the pag e. |
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