“Radical Inclusion through the Arts” series kicks off in late October
Honoring the role art and spirit play through music, poetry, literature, dance and more, Desert Palm United Church of Christ’s “Radical Inclusion through the Arts” featured artist series is designed to foster growth to those embracing their spiritual journey.
As part of its mission, DPUCC offers a variety of creative arts to educate, heal, unite, inspire, and bring the gospel alive in the hearts of our congregation and the community at large. “We worship the Creator and, in many ways, we are co-creators who can celebrate the artistic talents that help us enrich each other’s lives,” says Rev. Dr. Tom Martinez, Senior Minister at Desert Palm.
In the first of this special monthly series, Marc Gaston, Desert Palm’s newly commissioned Minister of Music and the Arts, will share his own personal story as it relates to his love of the arts (including music), followed by shared music and a communal dinner in Desert Palm’s Mission Hall.
Gaston, who heads up the program, has a rich legacy in artistic innovation, including serving as Artistic/Executive Director of the Phoenix Gay Men's Chorus, heading up groundbreaking projects such as "Mosaic of Voices," which merges LGBTQ+ narratives into choral compositions and art, and fostering inclusivity and meaningful connections. Beyond the arts, Gaston's cross-sector partnerships champion diversity and acceptance to bridge communities.
The series will include artists who present, through a wide variety of artistic approaches, a focus on issues such as civil rights, social justice, empowering women, LGBTQ, immigration, mental health and disabilities, and the unhoused.
“The series will include the critical role of art as it applies to spiritual awareness and development, including personal story-sharing, music, literature/poetry, dance and theater,” notes Gaston.
The first event will take place October 30 at 6 pm, and continuing the fourth Thursday of each month. November’s event, held November 20, will feature Claudia Bloom, Desert Palm’s local jazz pianist, who will present jazz as a powerful medium for empowering women’s rights.
The entire series will be held at Desert Palm United Church of Christ, 1230 E. Guadalupe Rd., Tempe, AZ. The event series is free and open to the public.
