Contact Information:
Felecia Donelson
Memphis Theological Seminary
fdonelson@MemphisSeminary.edu
Lottie Nash Wade Symposium on Theology and Arts
at Memphis Theological Seminary Explores Art, Faith
MEMPHIS, TN-The Theology and Arts Program at Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS) will introduce a new symposium this fall for individuals interested in learning more about the connection of faith and art.
The Lottie Nash Wade Symposium on Theology and Arts, slated for September 22, 2017 at the Seminary’s campus located in Midtown, will place specific emphasis on how local congregations can incorporate visual arts into their worship experiences.
The symposium is funded by a gift from Dr. William Wade and his wife, Laura Ellen Wade. Dr. Wade is a United Methodist pastor and Adjunct Professor of Theology at the Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond. A native Memphian, Dr. Wade established the symposium along with his siblings in honor of his mother, Lottie Nash Wade, who will celebrate her 93rd birthday during the event. Dr. Wade credits his mother as being the one responsible for his love and appreciation of art.
Dr. Wade holds a Master’s Degree in theology from Southern Methodist University as well as a Ph.D. in theology from the University of Notre Dame. Dr. and Mrs. Wade made a substantial donation of art to MTS last fall, which included many works from the “Microcosm” series of acclaimed regional artist Rollin Kocsis.
Kocsis, a native of South Bend, IN, was an art instructor with the former Memphis City Schools for over 30 years. His work has been displayed in galleries in numerous cities across the United States, including Memphis, Chicago, and Jonesboro, AR. He holds advanced degrees in teaching and fine arts from the University of Memphis. He is also the former Director of the Beverly & Sam Ross Gallery at Christian Brothers University.
The symposium will include a guided tour of the seminary and its art gallery as well as a panel discussion featuring Kocsis and other artists on practical application of art in education and liturgical seasons in the local church. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. For more information, call 901.458.8232 or go to www.MemphisSeminary.edu.
Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS) is an ecumenical graduate school of religion that seeks to create a higher theological educational setting that is committed to scholarship, piety, and justice. MTS was founded in 1852 in McKenzie, TN as the educational arm of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In 1964, the seminary moved to Memphis and educates men and women of all races and denominations.