The Fifth Annual His Gifts, His Presence New England Christian Arts Festival will be held June 24 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Greater Portland Vineyard Christian Fellowship on Bridgton Road in Westbrook.
The interdenominational event features dancers, musicians, poets, potters, sculptors and painters from all over the country, as well as phenomenal local talent.
Stephanie Powell, world renown choreographer and dance instructor from Alvin Ailey, will be performing with her company from Baltimore at the festival. Powell will be offering free Jazz, Modern and Hip Hop dance workshops on June 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. All teens and adults are welcome.
Some of the other participating artists include Betsy Sholl, Maine’s newly appointed Poet Laureate. Windham’s own Barbara Bagshaw, a painter and international speaker on the topic of art and healing, will be showing work as well.
Internationally known pastel artist, David Costello. Award winning jeweler Sarah E. Collins of Portland. Diane Manzi, co-chair of Designing Women will have her whimsical wear-art and paintings.
Other artists attending include nationally known sculptor Tom White, who was recently featured in Port Life magazine; Johannah Mackin of Nashville, winner of 2005 International Christian Songwriter of the Year; New York comedian Tom Brennan; Molly Mains of Bridgton, a painter who has 30 years in art education at Lake Region Middle School; New England singers Lisa Gallant Seal, Victoria James, Mark Bishop Evans, Keith Parry, and Andrew and Carla Thomas.
Eternity Dancer will be performing as well as Laurie Chaisson, an instructor from Casco Bay Movers, and Jane Mudgett, former Christian Dance Fellowship president from Florida. A nationally known band, The Warrior Poets, will be opening the performance portion of the show at 5 p.m. The visual art viewing begins at 3 p.m. The cost of the event is a suggested donation of $5. For more information, www.newenglandchristianartscouncil.org or e-mail bagshaw1@mac.com.
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