Featured August/September 2017

Hallway - Stacy Sparks

Contemplation: A Sabbatical Project
Dominated by the sky, the Kansas landscape overwhelms the eye with expanse and variety. These images reflect the splendor of the world outside my door. It takes my breath away. They portray the determined strength of people working toward a common goal.

I made these photographs during a sabbatical from Southwestern College between August and December 2015. From nearly 7,000 photographs, I selected 40 images for this exhibit, attempting to invite others to see as I do.
When we visit unfamiliar places, we look for beauty and meaning. These images were found in the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma, within a few miles of my backyard.

I photographed people and places, capturing images of a vineyard, wind turbines and acres of croplands and pastures. I attended Veteran’s Day ceremonies in Winfield and spent time at a marching band festival at Southwestern College. I devoted several weeks to making photographs of the individuals involved with setting up the Walnut Valley festival at the Winfield Fairgrounds.

My camera is a tool to illuminate quiet beauty and unwavering spirit. I use it to concentrate on a single area of the scene. Now, I share what I see.

Cabinet - Legacy PotteryWorks

Legacy PotteryWorks is an intense job training program for at risk youth in a creative, supportive environment. It is one of four branches of Legacy Ministries which all use creativity and community to communicate the love of Christ. The youth at PotteryWorks learn structured production skills creating both hand-thrown and cast pottery. The beautiful pottery made by our youth is sold online and at regional markets. As well as learning to make and sell potttery our youth learn necessary job and relational skills. The PotteryWorks team is passionate about participating in the redemptive work of God as we mold the clay and God shapes our souls.